Design for development

Design for development We are visual communicators, working with people to make a difference in society. We are working towards a society that is more equal.

We want to use our skills, creativity and connections to make a positive impact on people's lives. We are a group of graphic designers who share a passion for people and realising human rights. We want to use our skills, creativity and connections to make a positive impact on people’s lives. A world where people are free, educated and adequately equipped to make good decisions about their future,

their environment, their children and their health. Through our services, we support civil society organisations working towards a better society. We help them to communicate with the world – through visual communication such as awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, or publications, etc. We design; develop creative strategies and offer advice on the best application and use of budgets. We love to work on projects that work towards the goal of realising human rights. This might be corporate social responsibility, individual or government projects. We support small businesses both as clients and service providers, because we believe that helping local businesses is an important part of economic empowerment. We want to be ethical and fair in our business practices with co-workers and service providers.

We’re proud to share our work with the (RSB), translating critical policy briefs on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) an...
30/08/2026

We’re proud to share our work with the (RSB), translating critical policy briefs on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Power-to-X (PtX) pathways into clear, engaging visual documents:

Australia: Showcasing how abundant renewables and resources position the nation to scale production and lead in next-generation synthetic fuels.
Japan: Highlighting Japan's strategic role as an import coordinator, demand hub, and system integrator within global clean energy supply chains.

You can find more information on the Australian and Japanese Policy Brief here: https://rsb.org/programmes/projects/ptx-sustainability-roadmap-for-apac-region/

Swipe to see a look inside the layout!

We are proud to share our collaboration with ABALOBI! Thank you Arno Janse van rensburg for getting in touch, it is alw...
20/08/2026

We are proud to share our collaboration with ABALOBI! Thank you Arno Janse van rensburg for getting in touch, it is always great to work with the top chefs of our town. The idea was to further ignite interest in these three underrated species: Yellowtail, Carpenter, and Cape Bream. We designed the culinary guidebook, highlighting three key species: Yellowtail, Carpenter, and Cape Bream, blending local small-scale fisheries heritage with conscious culinary practices from hook to cook.

This guide serves as a bridge between small-scale artisanal fishers and conscious kitchens, celebrating the rich coastal culture of South Africa while championing traceability and sustainable seafood choices. Inside, you'll find a blend of ecological insights, species profiles, and culinary applications designed to empower chefs, food lovers, and local communities alike.

Thanks for the design support from UNFOLD and wrangling those AI generated illustrations.

You can download the guide here: https://fishwithastory.org/

14/08/2026

MARIKANA: 14 YEARS ON

On 16 August 2012, police shot and killed 34 striking mineworkers at Marikana. At least 78 others were injured, and approximately 250 were arrested.

Fourteen years later, their families and survivors are still waiting for truth, accountability and justice. No one has been successfully prosecuted for the events of 16 August.

Although civil settlements have been paid, compensation cannot replace criminal accountability, meaningful answers or a formal apology.

Marikana remains a painful reminder that environmental justice is inseparable from workers’ rights, human dignity and accountability for state and corporate power.

We remember the lives lost and stand in solidarity with their families, survivors, and everyone continuing the fight for justice.

A pregnant woman was recently turned away from a clinic in Delft. This is a direct violation of basic human decency and ...
28/07/2026

A pregnant woman was recently turned away from a clinic in Delft. This is a direct violation of basic human decency and a violation of our country's law.

The South African Constitution is clear:
Section 27(1): "Everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare."
Section 27(3): "No one may be refused emergency medical treatment."

"Everyone" means every single person within our borders. It does not matter where you were born or what documentation you hold, healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. The law is there to protect every single life, without exception.

We are starting a creative chain reaction to stand up for the dignity, safety, and rights of foreign nationals. We need the design community to use their voices to keep this momentum moving.

How to take part:
1. Create your own post in support of foreign nationals (choose any theme, style, or focus you like).
2. Tag a designer colleague at the end of your caption and challenge them to create the next post.

Let's keep the ball rolling. Pass it on.

A closer look at the third digital publication in a series we designed for (RSB). This post highlights a few of the sp...
26/07/2026

A closer look at the third digital publication in a series we designed for (RSB). This post highlights a few of the spreads and how we used layout, hierarchy, and graphics to make detailed information easier to follow.

The publication explores how aviation greenhouse gas emissions can be measured and reported when Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Book & Claim systems are used. It brings together practical examples, clear explanations, and reporting guidance in a format that's easy to navigate.

Our focus was on creating a clean, consistent design that supports the content without getting in the way, making complex information feel more accessible for readers.

22/07/2026

[Basic Income Grant]: The National Treasury is currently reviewing the Basic Income Grant (BIG) policy to make a final decision - and it could land on the President’s desk any day now.

When that happens, President Ramaphosa will have a choice to make: stick to the commitments he made and give the people an accessible BIG that provides a livable income for everyone unemployed aged 18 to 59. No exclusionary hoops to jump through. Just the support that will finally allow millions of us to step out of poverty.

Together, we can make sure that when the President sees the draft, he’s thinking about the promises he made - and knows how urgently Mzansi needs a BIG.

Send the president a message to remind him of his BIG commitments - here: https://awethu.amandla.mobi/petitions/ramaphosa-to-make-a-big-decision.

✊🏾

16/07/2026

"It changed how I see my role – not just depicting people, but understanding the impact that has on a campaign, and on the person themselves."

We recently sat down with Melissa, graphic designer, and co-founder of Design for development, for a conversation about the lessons she's learned designing for social impact.

One thing that stood out: our design work can sometimes have impacts beyond the expected outcome. Decisions on how we represent people and communities in our work, can have a meaningful impact. These reflections continue to shape how we approach projects: meaningful design always starts with people.

We partnered with WWF South Africa to design a six-part factsheet series about WWF’s water source partnerships in South...
01/07/2026

We partnered with WWF South Africa to design a six-part factsheet series about WWF’s water source partnerships in South Africa's Strategic Water Source Areas: landscapes that are critical to our water security, biodiversity, livelihoods and climate resilience. Each factsheet highlights a different area and describes the unique circumstances and configurations of the partnerships established there. It shows how people from different sectors can work together to shape a more resilient future for South Africa's water source areas.

Through illustration, infographics, and visual storytelling, the design aims to celebrate the people, partnerships and initiatives.
A great example of how design can support knowledge sharing and informed action.

29/06/2026

Not every mine closure is a success story.

has an estimated 6,100 abandoned mines, many of which continue to pose risks to people, water resources, and the environment long after mining has ended.

Our latest report, “No More Ghost Towns: Lessons From Mpumalanga’s Mine Closure Crisis”, examines why proper mine closure, rehabilitation, and accountability matter, and what needs to change.

📖 Read the full report via the link in our bio.

08/06/2026

Happy from the Fi(s)herie(s) Tran(s)parency Initiative!

Why are we dropping the (s)?

Because there is really only one world ocean, connecting us all in our efforts to build a sustainable future!

Learn more about why we here 👇

🔗 https://worldoceanday.org/

Address

Observatory

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00
Thursday 08:30 - 17:00

Telephone

021 448 3721

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Design for development posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Design for development:

Shortcuts

Share

Category