In a vibrant step towards practical education, Sasa College of Industrial Design (SCiD), the first industrial college in Uganda recently organized a field work study for its students, visiting a range of workshops specializing in different materials. This excursion is part of SCiD's commitment to teaching design from first principles, ensuring that students not only grasp theoretical knowledge but also understand the hands-on processes involved in material processes and application.

The students visited Mbawo Timber Works, Newgen Engineering, Exo Outfitters and Musabody Machinery which are metalworking and woodworking workshops based in Uganda. At the metalworking workshops, they observed the intricacies of welding, forging, and machining while the woodworking sessions exposed them to various types of wood, tools, and techniques like carving and joinery.

Each visit was meticulously planned to allow students to interact with craftsmen and understand the properties and potentials of different materials. This also lays the foundation for partnerships, internship opportunities and opportunities to fill in the gaps in the various workshops.

It was observed while the craftsmen possessed immense skill in material manipulation, there was a lack of expertise in creating comprehensive design plans that integrate materials application and production processes.

This insight highlighted the importance of industrial designers who are not only creative thinkers but also adept at bridging the gap between conceptualization and practical execution, ensuring that innovative ideas can be seamlessly transformed into tangible products.

As SCiD continues to push the boundaries of industrial design education in Uganda, field work studies like this underscore the importance of a holistic learning approach, one that blends theory with practice, creativity with craftsmanship, and inspiration with implementation. This dedication to learning from first principles sets SCiD apart, nurturing the next generation of designers who are well-equipped to transform Uganda's industrial landscape.