Teaching design by building apps in Kenya

Smokeless College is a design and technology program for high school graduates in Kenya. Students learn how to solve local problems with technology.

When Design 86 joined the program, it had already been running for a year. Students went deep into coding theory but only started building apps near the end of the course. We changed the approach. Students design and build from day one.

Design 86 co-created a new 10 month curriculum with local tutors. We developed the learning structure, hands on process, UX and product design content, and learning materials. Local tutors led the coding and app development classes.

Students worked on four real products. They built a Digital Notepad, Expense Tracker, Water Distribution App, and Local Marketplace. Each project followed the same process. Discover → Define → Build → Sell.

Each project introduced new skills and complexity. Students interviewed locals, identified problems, designed solutions, built working Android apps, and tested them with real users. Theory filled the gaps as they worked through each project.

We tested and refined the curriculum throughout the 10 month program. By the end, students produced convincing, functional apps for local craftsmen, grocery sellers, fashion businesses, beauty products, and restaurants.

Interest in the program grew through word of mouth. Parents wanted to pay extra for their children to join the next batch. The success led to a new phase where graduates can form a small studio and work on commercial projects. Design 86 continues to advise the program.

Design 86 also created the Smokeless College logo and an animated explainer. The illustrated film shows students discovering problems in their communities and using technology to solve them.