Last week’s Technology Week had great conversations; one panel discussion truly captured the spirit of human-centred innovation. Experts like Akuming Akwasi Amoah (IT Consortium), Dr. Prince Ebenezer Adjei (Lecturer, Department of Computer Engineering, KNUST), student innovator John Anamboi, Philip Quainoo (Heidelberg Materials Digital Hub), and Sam Nii Adjaidoo (AxelleMD) were hosted for a conversation on the combination of design thinking and AI.
So, what exactly is design thinking? Our panellists described it not as a complex technical term, but as a profoundly human approach to problem-solving. It’s about putting real people and their needs at the very heart of every solution. As Dr. Prince Adjei beautifully explained, it’s a process that appeals to our emotions and feelings, ensuring the technology we build connects with and improves people's lives.
The conversation then turned to the exciting possibilities and challenges of merging this human-centric approach with Artificial Intelligence. The panel explored how AI can be a powerful force for good, from making healthcare more accessible to unlocking life-changing insights from data.
The panel strongly emphasised that the most groundbreaking solutions won’t come from engineers working alone. We need engineers to work alongside social scientists, doctors, farmers, and more to understand real-world needs truly. It’s at these intersections that true innovation happens.
The advice for our students wondering how to prepare for this future was clear and inspiring. John Anamboi reminded everyone that our world is full of problems waiting for passionate problem-solvers. The opportunities are vast, so take your training in programming, digital literacy, and design skills seriously.
But most importantly, learn to think bigger. The goal isn’t just to write code; it’s to become a solution architect. Learn to build AI agents that can think and act. See yourself as a technician and a creator, creating a better, more empathetic world through technology.
The future is bright and built by those who dare to connect human understanding with technical power.
