A Nigerian UK based Seasoned UI/UX designer and media producer, Charles Kuti Elem has continued to transform Nigeria’s digital economy through Inclusive UX Design.
For over a decade, Elem has championed digital experiences that empower underserved communities, especially within Nigeria’s informal economy.
One of his most impactful contributions is SokoSQ.com, a mobile-first e-commerce platform tailored to the needs of informal traders and small business owners. The platform’s success illustrates how inclusive design can be a catalyst for economic empowerment.
Elem’s design philosophy centres around asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and using design thinking to uplift communities that are often digitally excluded.
His journey began in 2013 as a graphic designer, drawn to the subtle influence of visual elements on user interaction.
That curiosity matured into a passion for crafting full user experiences that prioritise ‘accessibility, cultural relevance, and emotional impact.’
Elem led a mobile-first redesign strategy, grounded in the widespread use of smartphones among the target demographic. He leveraged user familiarity with platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to create a more intuitive experience.
His contributions were both strategic and hands-on. He conducted field research to understand digital literacy, device usage, and trust barriers.
He developed an onboarding system that was simple and welcoming, designed a lightweight design system optimised for low-end devices, and crafted interface elements that reflected local languages and cultural nuances.
Elem emphasised designing with dignity making sure that users felt seen, respected, and empowered.
Thousands of informal traders who never imagined owning an online store are now managing inventory and expanding their customer base through SokoSQ.
To Elem, true design success is ‘unlocking opportunity’ for people who were once digitally invisible.
He advocated for context-aware innovation in African markets.
“Understand your users. Listen. Design with empathy. When you create with purpose, you don’t just build product, you build futures,” he said.
Mercy Chukwudiebere