Homework A: International Precedents

Due Thursday: September 25.

There are numerous organizations, products and services that are currently attempting to address the MDGs either directly or indirectly. It is important to be aware of existing precedents to build upon other’s experiences as to improve and not duplicate  what has already been done. We will look at several of these precedents as they  relate to the MDGs and consider what works and what doesn’t work with their  project or particular approach. 

Thanks to our friend Emily Pilloton at Project H, as well as Design for the Other 90%, we have an easy way of searching through the various products for Humanitarian Design. Below are just some examples of products out there, but be sure to check out all the products as listed on Project H and Cooper Hewitt's Design for the Other 90% exhibits. Stay tuned as the class will get to hear from Emily herself, along with Timothy Prestero of Design that Matters on October 9th, with a chance for students to discuss their own project ideas. 

Deliverable: Choose one of the products from the list below or another product you would like to investigate and create an 8.5" x 14" page layout depicting the product while considering the following questions: 

What problem statement does the product address?

Is the product affordable?

Is it culturally appropriate?

Does it use locally available materials and resources? 

Is it donated or bought?

If it is currently in the field, what type of impact is it having?

What are some of the criticisms of the product? (if none are published, think of some on your own)

Is this product subsidized by selling to a developed market at higher cost?

How does the product address the UN Millennium Development Goal(s)?

How does the product empower its user(s)?

Does the product fit into a larger systemized implementation strategy?

Come into class on Thursday prepared to present your research. 

KickStart
Hippo Water Roller
PlayPumps
DtM Infant Incubator
Kinkajou Microfilm Projector
OLPC
Life Straw

PermaNet

Acuset IV Flow Controller + Check out DtM for more project history.

WorldBike

ProteinForte

Freeplay Energy- wind up energy for access (choose one of the products listed)
Project-Impact-Hearing Aids
VisionSpring- eyewear business in a bag