Applied Human-Centered Design (HCD): The Practitioners Programme with BongoHive in partnership with the University of Lusaka. | BongoHive

Master the Applied HCD Framework and Create Impactful Solutions for Real-World Challenges

The official Certificate Programme designed to de-risk corporate innovation and secure customer buy-in.

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Programme Overview:

The Applied Human-Centered Design (HCD): The Practitioners Programme is the official Certificate Programme offered by BongoHive in partnership with the University of Lusaka. This programme is designed to equip individuals and teams with practical methods through the LEAP Framework (Locate, Evaluate, Action Plan, Progress).

Master how to apply HCD principles to real world challenges, moving beyond solutions based solely on assumptions. This approach allows you to interrogate and test ideas with real users before committing large R&D budgets, mitigating the risk of missing huge market opportunities.

Over the 5-week duration , you will learn to explore, develop, and test validated solutions, driving crucial internal buy-in for seamless implementation. Ultimately, you will create impactful solutions that genuinely matter and receive formal certification upon completion

What you will master

The Empathy Mindset

Learn to uncover unmet needs and hidden opportunities.

Rapid Prototyping

Build, test, and fail fast so you can succeed sooner.

The HCD Toolkit

Practical frameworks you can apply to any business challenge immediately.

Validation

Learn how to prove your concept before spending a coin on development.

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What You’ll Learn

A certificate-backed, 5-week journey through the LEAP framework, designed to transform how you approach innovation.

What is HCD?

An exploration of the core philosophy of Human-Centered Design, emphasising user needs, and context.

HCD to LEAP Mapping

Understand how the core HCD principles (Empathy, Ideation, Prototyping) are directly applied within the L.E.A.P. structure (Locate, Evaluate, Action Plan, Progress) to ensure rigor and commercial viability.

Framework Overview

A detailed walkthrough of the L.E.A.P. Framework (Locate, Evaluate, Action Plan, Progress) that will structure the rest of the programme.

Relevance in Zambia

Examining the specific challenges and opportunities for applying HCD principles in the local context.

Research

Focuses on targeted and actionable research, focusing only on the data that leads directly to high-value opportunities.

Uncovering Needs

Applies qualitative analysis to investigate customer complaints and internal process friction. Focuses on surfacing both stated and unstated organisational and user needs.

Outcome

Participants learn how to uncover hidden opportunities by exploring problems, inefficiencies, customer frustrations, and market gaps.

Impact Assessment

Methods for distinguishing high-impact ideas from the rest.

Key Criteria Analysis

Explicitly assesses opportunities against critical business criteria.

Decision-Making

Utilises a simple, decisive rating scale to avoid analysis paralysis and select the highest-potential opportunity.

Execution Strategy

Maps out how to bring the chosen opportunity to life.

Prototyping & Testing

Develop tangible prototypes, test them in real-world settings, and iterate.

Refinement & Launch

Finalise and scale validated solutions.

Defining Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Clearly articulate the core value and competitive advantage of your solution.

Communication Prototype

Focuses on translating ideas into tangible value for stakeholders.

Securing Resources

Demonstrate proof of concept to unlock further support and implementation.

Q&A with Facilitators

Engage with facilitators to clarify concepts, explore methodology, and discuss practical application.

Expert Interaction

Engage directly and gain insights with industry and academic experts.

Official Certification

Receive formal recognition for completing the programme and mastering the LEAP framework.

Official Cohort Closeout

Networking Reception.

Enrollment Requirements:
  • Enrollment for this programme is designed to equip individuals.
  • Participants must be able to commit to the 5-week programme duration.
  • A 50% down payment is required by the relevant deadline to secure the Early Bird rate and enrollment. The remaining balance is due on March 31st 2026.

Pricing and Registration:

Secure your spot with our Early Bird special rate. 

15th December 2025 to 27th February, 2026

Early Bird Special
K3,500
per individual
Secure your rate with a 50% deposit by 6th March, 2026
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Standard rate
K7,000
per individual
Secure your rate with a 50% deposit by 13th March, 2026
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Programme Facilitators

Simunza Muyangana

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Simunza Muyangana is the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at BongoHive, where he leads initiatives to support entrepreneurs and drive innovation.

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Maumo Mubila-Kakoma

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Maumo is an experienced enterprise development specialist with over 8 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and businesses across Zambia.

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Francis Lombe

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Francis is a dynamic leader and product management specialist at BongoHive Consult, where he has established a proven track record of driving Applied Human-Centered Design (HCD) and digital innovation. 

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Dorus K. Silwizya

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Dorus Kampamba Silwizya is a Senior Innovation Associate at BongoHive , known for her expertise in Applied Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Lean Startup methodologies.

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Mapalo Lukashi

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Mapalo Lukashi is a highly experienced data and AI specialist with a passion for solving real-world challenges through Human-Centered Design (HCD).

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Success Story​

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Contact Details

For any questions or further details, please reach us on

Email: [email protected] 

Phone Number: +260 9 76 415 974