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Design Factory NZ

Changing the world with innovation.

The world is changing rapidly and we believe that future problem-solvers need a new set of skills to lead and create the next solutions. 

We are an interdisciplinary team, with experience across a range of industries, all with a deep passion for innovation by design and coaching people into the skills they need to thrive in the future.

We focus on learning by doing; applying the latest innovation approaches to real-world challenges, and creating learning experiences that take you outside routine and into problem-solving spaces.

If you are interested in growing your innovation capabilities, developing your leadership skills and cultivating powerful personal growth, you have come to the right place. 

Design Factory NZ offers programs for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, as well as professional development courses and workshops for businesses and community groups.

What is Design Thinking?

  • Design Thinking is a methodology for creative problem solving
  • Design Thinking focuses on solutions
  • Design Thinking is a creative process to build up ideas
  • Design Thinking is more of a creative, than traditional, problem-solving approach

Design Factory NZ logo

Our way

The DFNZ Way of problem-solving and innovation draws on a range of world-proven frameworks created and tested among our Design Factory Global Network.

At our heart are human-centred designs and a core belief that the best solutions are created with those who are experiencing the problems. This model, developed out of Stanford University, and used by organisations such as Apple, Toyota, Nike, Xero and more, provides an overarching frame for our innovation approach.

We supplement this with a range of other tools and approaches, including transdisciplinary innovation, action-learning, personal development plans, Lean business canvas, and more.

Additionally, our way is strongly informed by our values, which are:
  • Mauri mahi, mauri ora
  • Growth – not just grades
  • Discover the new, embrace the uncertainty
  • Think by doing, talk by showing
  • Create like no one is watching
  • Put people at the centre of everything
  • Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures

Design Factory Global Network

Design Factory NZ is part of the Design Factory Global Network (DFGN) - a network of innovation hubs in universities and research organisations in five continents of the world. 

DFGN is on a mission to create change in the world of learning and research through passion-based culture and effective problem solving. Shared understanding and common ways of working enable Design Factories in the network to collaborate efficiently across cultures, time zones and organisational boundaries fostering radical innovations.

We provide a range of opportunities to participate in the Global Network – from our annual global hackathon Rat Relay, through to internships at Design Factories around the globe.

Meet the team

Margi Moore

Design Factory NZ Director

Project Lead of Interesting Things

Aidan Bigham

Facilitator & Coach

Supporter, Provocateur & Collaborator

Elna Fourie

Facilitator & Coach

Prompter, Conductor & Collaborator

Jeremy Suisted

Facilitator & Coach

Minister of Maximisation & Joy

News

  • “The limit of what I thought I was capable of only ever existed because I let it exist”

    Peony Smith-Tahere says it’s important to let failure guide you, to show up for yourself and keep pushing boundaries. In the second of Wintec’s four graduation ceremonies, students from Wintec’s Centres for Business and Enterprise, Information Technology, Sport Science and Human Performance, and Design Factory NZ took to the stage celebrate their graduations. Chosen to be the voice of her peers at this ceremony was Peony Smith-Tahere, who was graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Information Technology.

  • Gaining Global Insights and Connections: Aotearoa, New Zealand experience brings valuable learning back home to Singapore

    Making connections around the world was on the agenda for the Design Factory team members from Singapore Institute of Technology [SIT]. Drawn to Design Factory New Zealand's [DFNZ] focus on student-centred learning, their team from Singapore came together to connect and tour innovation hubs within the Waikato. Their first visit was with world-leading animal management and security company, Gallagher.

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