Africa Center for Design Research
Redefining the Future of
Design in Africa.
The Africa Center for Design Research (ACDR) explores how design, animation, technology, and cultural research can shape new possibilities for Africa and the world. We bring creativity and critical thinking together to challenge conventions, develop new ideas, and address real-world challenges. Through research, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to advance African perspectives and contribute to the future of creative practice and innovation. At ACDR, we believe Africa should not only participate in shaping the future but help define it.
Commissioning in the
First Quarter of
2032
Animation
Research
Exploring movement, visual storytelling, and immersive experiences to bring ideas, characters, and new worlds to life.
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- 2026
- Services
- Advancing African ideas through knowledge, design, and transformative innovation.
ACDR explores design as a tool for solving problems, challenging systems, preserving African cultural knowledge, and imagining better futures through computational design, animation, interactive storytelling, and inclusive technology.
Precision in Development From
Design Concepts to Furnishings
Departments of Study
The Creative Engineering Lab
For programming, AI integration, prototyping, automation, and experimental creative tools.
The Animation & Simulation Lab
For animation, VFX, compositing, procedural graphics, and real-time rendering.
The Interactive Worlds Studio
For game design, immersive experiences, creative coding, and interactive storytelling.
The Human-Centred Technology Studio
For inclusive design, human–computer interaction, assistive technologies, accessibility research, spatial computing, AR/VR, physical computing, digital fabrication, and interactive installations.
The Design Systems Studio
For branding, visual communication, interaction, generative graphics, and digital products.
Lobby
The Centre is guided by the principles of African Renaissance, which call for the rebirth of Africa as a continent of peace, democracy, human rights, and social justice. The Centre seeks to inspire and empower Africans to take charge of their own destiny and to shape the world in which they live.
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