2013 | Biocharger Transportable Biochar Kiln

Biocharger was the design outcome of a project focused on the design of a safe and efficient biochar production for a small business initiatives in Johannesburg, by Myles Day for a BTech Industrial Design in 2013. The project was supervised by myself and was supported by the Department of Industrial Design, UJ, Siyakhana Initiative for Ecological Health and Food Security and the Gauteng Department of  Agricultural Research and Development (GDARD). Overview: The aim of this research study was to design a safe and efficient biochar production unit to be used by employees of a small business in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study also aimed to design a system of operation for the business which could improve access to biochar for the urban farming community of Johannesburg. The design of the biochar production unit, and the system of operation for the small business, were informed by qualitative data obtained from field research ... Read More

2013 | PPE for Women in Mining

This project aimed to improve gender-inappropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for women in mining as part of a BTech Industrial Design final mini-dissertation project by Monica Monsanto in 2013. I was her supervisor for the project. Overview: The mining industry in South Africa, prior to 2007, can be labelled as a sector dominated by the masculine gender, whereby positions underground were only reserved for male workers, as women were perceived to not have the equal physical capabilities to withstand working in such a labour intensive environment. This clear labour divide between men and women in the mining production sector has been seen to restrict women from contributing to the ‘production sphere’ (Benya 2009:14). However, over time the eventual inclusion of women in the production domain, has allowed women to start out being employed in ‘low-status’ careers undertaking administrative positions as well as unskilled lower ranked activities such as being sweepers, ... Read More

2010 | Seboko Low-cost Tunnel System

The Seboko low-cost tunnel system for small-scale farmers was the outcome of a participatory design project by Kyle Brand undertaken in his BTech Industrial Design in 2010. I was the supervisor for the project. Overview: Small-scale farmers face many problems in  South Africa and development in this area of  food production is very important to alleviate poverty. This project was approached with no preconceived idea of a specific problem, but rather a method to identify a problem with the assistance of the farmers. The methodology used was participatory action research, and more specifically user-centred design. The location and user group for this project was a farming collective know as Rainbow Nation Farmers. They are a non-profit community-based project in the Nancefield area South of Johannesburg. This collective had 28 committed farmers with 249 household dependants. They use about 6 hectares of land divided among the farmers. The produce is then sold ... Read More

2007-2009 | Vhembe Low-cost Ceramic Water Filter

This MTech Industrial Design project from 2007-2009 was undertaken by Martin Bolton with focus on the design and development of an improved low-cost ceramic water filter. The design outcome was based on the existing Potpaz home water treatment device, and was targeted for use within rural households of the Vhembe region. The project was supervised by myself with co-supervision from Dr. Paul Jagals from the UJ Water Health Research Centre. The project was undertaken in partnership with the UJ Department of Industrial Design the UJ Water Health Research Centre  and the South African Water Research Commission (WRC). Overview: This project aimed to develop the Potpaz ceramic water filter into an improved filter design, optimally suited to South African rural conditions, which could provide potable water to households. Communities that do not have access to in-house treated water often end up with a contaminated water supply since the water they consume is usually ... Read More

2005 | Singing Tiger Paraffin Stove

The Singing Tiger paraffin stove designed by Phil Oosthuizen and myself was awarded as the winner of the Paraffin Safety Association of Southern Africa’s (PSASA) National Safe Paraffin Stove Design Competition 2005. The main aim of the competition was to create awareness and improve the safety of paraffin stoves in Southern Africa. The design feature that was most commended in the Singing Tiger design was its separation of the burner and cooking tripod, which meant that while someone was stirring food there was less of a chance that the stove could be knocked over and cause a fire. The basic operating principles of the Singing Tiger are as follows: Stove, cookstand and two insulated pillows are packed in a fire-resistant cookbox for retail. The pump and pressure control cap are removed to fill the stove with paraffin into the funnel shaped filling nozzle. i. Replace pump and pressure control cap ... Read More

2005 | ICSID Interdesign Sustainable Rural Transport

Usually hosted by an ICSID (International Council of Societies of Industrial Design [now the World Design Organization] member society, an ICSID Interdesign is a forum in which mid-career designers from different countries and cultures work together with local experts for an intensive two-week period, exploring design issues of national, regional and global importance. Interdesign workshops focus on subjects of international significance and are aimed at providing innovative and appropriate solutions through co-operative problem-solving. Ultimately, these solutions should be implemented to make a real difference to the region in which the Interdesign has taken place. The emphasis is on understanding local cultures and actively engaging local communities in helping to find meaningful, realistic answers. Overview: The Interdesign 2005, endorsed by  ICOGRADA (International Council of Graphic Design Associations) and the South African Department of Transport, came about after the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Design Insitute [closed in 2019] received a request from the North-West provincial government ... Read More