What does XYZ do? We conceptualise, design, manufacture and implement products in local and international markets.

What products do we design? We have, among others, provided solution to the medical, telecom, industrial and domestic markets.

How many of our products are in the market? Since XYZ's inception, we have delivered more than 65 products (not concepts) to the market. Production quantities for each product, range from 5 per annum to 1000 per day.

Where do our product ideas originate? 95% of product ideas come from our clients, with the remaining 5% generated in-house.

What type of clients do we have? Our clients are corporate, individual and state institutions. They are based in South Africa, England, Taiwan, France, Botswana, USA,  Canada, Nigeria and Sweden.

What structure does XYZ have? Our dynamic team of ten, comprises of industrial designers, mechanical engineers, industrial engineers and prototyping technicians.

What is industrial design (ID)? ID links society and technology, focusing on cultural values, engineering factors and financial realities.

Where is XYZ? We are located in the Cape Quarter, Cape Town, South Africa.

I have an idea, how do I go forward? Please contact us on +27(0)21 421 7236 so we can discuss further.

We observe markets with multiple lenses created from our diverse skill-set and portfolio. Both of which assist in identifying novel patterns and market opportunities. Please read on for developments within this centre.

XYZ will shortly launch an 'Innovation Starter Pack' for inventors who require a strategic platform and clear vision of the product development landscape. Watch this space for more details....

Design Indaba - Most Beautiful Object in South Africa. Design indaba expo presented a marketplace for South Africa ’s top design talent for the fourth time, with 260 exhibitors, 40 of then students.  This was a strong increase from 163 exhibitors last year, including students. This curated showcase of the best original South African design across ... Click the image to find out more.

Dr David Boonzaier has joined the XYZ team as Technical Viability Associate and will be focusing on developments within the Innovation Centre. Having studied both Medicine and Engineering, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of inter alia; physics, electronics and universal design. To date the Innovation Centre has successfully provided clients with the opportunity to analyse their products from a variety of perspectives, resulting in unforeseen technologies opening up new market opportunities.

XYZ's is being inundated with calls about our new computer desk from South America, Holland, India and South Korea  are excited about its novel approach to cable management and functional upgrades. Today.com describes it as: "The XYZ Computer Desk gives a tough fight to all other gorgeous PC tables with built-in PC and computer peripherals present in the market when it comes to the form factor"... Click the image to find out more.

What colour is your electricity? The question may sound peculiar, but consider that we are often only aware of electricity when it is being consumed. Our products can affect how we perceive... Click the image to find out more.

The Network of Africa Designers (NAD) recently adopted a Design Charter during their founding meeting in Cape Town. The Charter is a result of series of consultation from the members who recommended that the organization is matured and ready to be formalized after nine years of its existence. NAD founding members from Kenya, Botswana ... Click the image to find out more.

'Park on The Bench' was a studio project designed for the Cape Homemakers Expo. The project forms part of an annual event whereby various benches are auctioned to raise monies for charity. XYZ's solution suggests the need for a participation between green and industrial spaces in our inner cities. Technically, it recognizing if a person would like to rest with motion sensors and manoeuvres the grass into the bench providing a clean seating area. Click the image to watch a video in a new window.

Sustainable design - window dressing or ingenuity? What motivates sustainable product development? Sustainability has a chameleon like quality in the product development and marketing world. Unfortunately, it is used mainly as a marketing buzzword to sell... Click the image to find out more.

The theme for this edition of Design> is purposely named Afrika with a 'k' in celebration of what Afrika is all about - what can we offer the developed world in terms of our many diverse cultures and heritage. It is indeed challenging to explore these cultures, considering the fact that ... Click the image to find out more.

XYZ has ambitions to solve South Africa’s rural transport conundrum, and is seeking manufacturing and distribution partners to help drive the idea off the drawing board and onto the country’s roads ... Click the image to find out more.

The SABS Prototype initiative was established to assist product developers with the design aspects of their product by offering a free consultation with design experts. The SABS Design Institute and the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law established a support programme for prototypes in 1997 to... Click the image to find out more. 

I have a dream. Thabo Mboneni is aiming to join the elite – and small – group of fellow South Africans to have made it in the heady world of international car design. Sponsorship of Chavant Y2 modelling clay was kindly provided by AMT Composites .... Click the image to find out more.

Market requirements and design intent is ultimately provided and managed by our manufacturing centre. Please read on for developments within this centre.

The client's products can withstand the rigours of use within the specified environment and usage. Product failure in the field must be avoided at all costs. Material choice strategy takes six main steps... Click the image to find out more.

The Snuza baby monitor required a single part to provide the functionality of four. Additionally it must provide an ingress protection rating of IP67. The complex yet novel tool was successfully manufactured in China an component production is currently being run in South Africa... Click the image to find out more.

Tactile technologies and XYZ have formed a joint venture to provide kiosks solution to a variety of industries. The venture comprising of hardware, software and ongoing support is under the Touchtools banner. Click the image to find out more.

The Orga Modular Filing System was one of three SABS design excellence awards given to XYZ Design's this year. It was the 14th award the firm has won in 10 years. The other SABS Design Excellence Awards were for the 4secs Condom Applicator and a Modular Traffic Light. Click the image to find out more.

President Nelson Mandela at the launch of the reintegration employment concerns. "With the advent of democracy in our country, we all became quickly aware of the extent of the devastation left by apartheid on our people. We realised the enormity of the challenges facing the new government, amongst them widespread poverty, hunger; unemployment; a lack of skills; inadequate shelter; health services; and education for the vast majority. Government cannot tackle these problems by itself, and we have been calling for..." Click the image to find out more.

South Africa interprets Dutch Design to aid in local development.  Hand-craft and hi-tech meet as skilled wood crafters from the Northern Cape village of Kharkams use alien vegetation to create fully-functional funky flash drives. USB ports and memory sticks are not what would normally flash across your mind when you think of technology coming out of the Kalahari. Neither are they all that the Kharkams Technology Crafters produce.  The project, supported by Department of Water Affairs and Forestry's Working for Water programme, is as much about creating jobs, fighting poverty and building pride as it is about ... Click the image to find out more.

XYZ is fortunate to be formally recognised by local and international design communities. Click the image to view our awards and exhibitions, including products in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection.