From classroom to community: How design and technology inspired Algeria’s first skate shop

Published 21st August 2025

When LSBU graduate Muhammed Amin Boussetou first visited Algeria, he was struck by the fact that the country, the largest in Africa by land size, had no skate shops at all. That realisation later became the inspiration for DZ Skateboards, Algeria’s first ever skate shop.

The idea grew while Muhammed was studying product design at university. At the same time, Algeria opened its first skate park, which gave him the confidence to launch the business. With family roots in Algeria, the project held personal significance for him, as well as the opportunity to open new possibilities for the country’s growing skateboarding community.

Balancing studies with starting a company has been far from easy, but it has provided him with invaluable skills in design, prototyping, problem solving and creative media.

Design and technology has been central to his journey. Having first discovered the subject at secondary school, Muhammed found he thrived when he could be hands-on and inventive. While engineering and maths were not where his interests lay, design and technology gave him the opportunity to explore his creativity and shape ideas into something tangible.

Community has also been key. Through both online networks and local events, Muhammed has built a supportive skateboarding community in Algeria that has championed his project and kept his vision alive.

Reflecting on his journey, Muhammed encourages today’s design and technology students to follow their passions. He believes that pathways into higher education or careers should be led by genuine interest and commitment, rather than external pressure. For him, being driven by a love of design has made all the difference.

Muhammed’s story is a reminder of the vital role design and technology can play in shaping young people’s futures, giving them the skills, confidence and creativity to bring new ideas to life and to build communities around them.

Take a look at the short video below where Muhammed shares more about his project from this year’s LSBU Graduate Show. If you’d like to see what else he’s been working on, head over to DZ Skateshop on Instagram.

Teachers looking to inspire their students can use Muhammed’s journey as a starting point to explore higher education opportunities in product design and creative subjects. LSBU’s next open day, taking place at the Southwark campus, offers a chance to see the courses in action, meet academics and current students, and get insight into the pathways available for aspiring designers. It’s a great opportunity to guide your students in discovering what’s possible for their futures. For more details and to register, visit the LSBU Open Days page.