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| | Designing a product is a process of solving problems creatively. Usually it considers not only the aesthetics and technological constrains, but also the user’s needs. A famous Swedish furniture and home accessories retailer applying continuous product development has identified five crucial factors for a democratic design, hence products have to be: | | Designing a product is a process of solving problems creatively. Usually it considers not only the aesthetics and technological constrains, but also the user’s needs. A famous Swedish furniture and home accessories retailer applying continuous product development has identified five crucial factors for a democratic design, hence products have to be: |
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| − | 1.Beautiful
| + | Beautiful |
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| − | 2.Functional
| + | Functional |
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| − | 3.Affordable
| + | Affordable |
| | + | Long lasting |
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| − | 4.Long lasting
| + | 5.Sustainable |
| − | | + | |
| − | 5.Sustainable
| + | |
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| | These factors can also be used in modern energy technologies design (i.e. efficient stoves and Pico PV lamps). ‘Products should be designed understanding that people want them to work, and to make life easier (function), that are beautiful (form), demand value for money (quality), care about the environment (sustainability) and are affordable (low price)’. <ref name="IKEA">IKEA. (2017, January). Why good design is democratic. Ikea Catalog. Design for Everyone. Retrieved from http://www.ikea-canada.com/newcatalogue2016/ikea_catalogue_en.pdf</ref> | | These factors can also be used in modern energy technologies design (i.e. efficient stoves and Pico PV lamps). ‘Products should be designed understanding that people want them to work, and to make life easier (function), that are beautiful (form), demand value for money (quality), care about the environment (sustainability) and are affordable (low price)’. <ref name="IKEA">IKEA. (2017, January). Why good design is democratic. Ikea Catalog. Design for Everyone. Retrieved from http://www.ikea-canada.com/newcatalogue2016/ikea_catalogue_en.pdf</ref> |
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| | Over the decades, continue development in design of stove allowed improved as a result of caring not only about the shape of things, but doing things better according to people’s needs and wishes. This have been possible thanks to the feedback provided by final users and taking a democratic design approach influencing from the conception to the final product. | | Over the decades, continue development in design of stove allowed improved as a result of caring not only about the shape of things, but doing things better according to people’s needs and wishes. This have been possible thanks to the feedback provided by final users and taking a democratic design approach influencing from the conception to the final product. |
| − | <p style="text-align: center ;">Photo 1: Example of product design development over time</p><p style="text-align: center ;">Source: BioLite Inc. 2017''' <span style="color:#FF0000;">(</span>[http://www.bioliteenergy.com/pages/our-story http://www.bioliteenergy.com/pages/our-story] <span style="color:#FF0000;">)</span>'''</p> | + | <p style="text-align: center">Photo 1: Example of product design development over time</p><p style="text-align: center">Source: BioLite Inc. 2017'''[http://www.bioliteenergy.com/pages/our-story http://www.bioliteenergy.com/pages/our-story]'''</p> |
| | = Design User-Centred = | | = Design User-Centred = |
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| | Users dominate the market and therefore have the capability to determine the success of failure of a product. Consequently it is uttermost to pay attention to the users’ needs and their cultural context to combine with technical factors when designing/ improving a product. In 2012 the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) carried out [https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Atmospheric/sei-wp-2012-03-cookstoves.pdf a study applying a qualitative ‘generative’ research methodology]<br/> | | Users dominate the market and therefore have the capability to determine the success of failure of a product. Consequently it is uttermost to pay attention to the users’ needs and their cultural context to combine with technical factors when designing/ improving a product. In 2012 the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) carried out [https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Atmospheric/sei-wp-2012-03-cookstoves.pdf a study applying a qualitative ‘generative’ research methodology]<br/> |
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| − | {| border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="width:100%;" | + | {| style="width:100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" |
| | |+ Table 1: Key stove design parameters for meeting household needs and desires | | |+ Table 1: Key stove design parameters for meeting household needs and desires |
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| − | <p style="text-align: center;">Source: SEI, 2012<ref name="SEI">SEI. (2012). Putting the Cook Before the Stove: a User-Centred Approach to Understanding Household Energy Decision-Making. Working Paper. Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute.https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Atmospheric/sei-wp-2012-03-cookstoves.pdf</ref></p> | + | <p style="text-align: center">Source: SEI, 2012<ref name="SEI">SEI. (2012). Putting the Cook Before the Stove: a User-Centred Approach to Understanding Household Energy Decision-Making. Working Paper. Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute.https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Atmospheric/sei-wp-2012-03-cookstoves.pdf</ref></p> |
| | These features can serve as a guidance for other technologies, though it is important to contextualize according to the prevailing geographical characteristics and socio-economic characteristics and particularities. Taking into account the five crucial factors of democratic design mentioned before, long lasting and sustainable technology are not considered among the features identified by SEI as it was not was part of their scope, however granted warranties and good performance in tests ([[Portal:Solar|Pico PV]] and [[Quality Assurance of Improved Cookstoves (ICS)|Stoves]]) could be considered to supplement these other aspects too.<br/> | | These features can serve as a guidance for other technologies, though it is important to contextualize according to the prevailing geographical characteristics and socio-economic characteristics and particularities. Taking into account the five crucial factors of democratic design mentioned before, long lasting and sustainable technology are not considered among the features identified by SEI as it was not was part of their scope, however granted warranties and good performance in tests ([[Portal:Solar|Pico PV]] and [[Quality Assurance of Improved Cookstoves (ICS)|Stoves]]) could be considered to supplement these other aspects too.<br/> |
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| | Before a product is launched into the market (pilot) or when it is already in the market, it is crucial to gather reliable systematic data that allows to obtain the experience of users with using the product, to hear them express their views that later can unleash changes in approaches and even design. Different discoveries in the field can provide relevant information to adapt the design to current needs and wishes, needless to say that feedback has an enormous potential. | | Before a product is launched into the market (pilot) or when it is already in the market, it is crucial to gather reliable systematic data that allows to obtain the experience of users with using the product, to hear them express their views that later can unleash changes in approaches and even design. Different discoveries in the field can provide relevant information to adapt the design to current needs and wishes, needless to say that feedback has an enormous potential. |
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| − | When modifications in design answer to what users want, it is just a matter of available information about the product <span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">for potential users </span>and expect them to try (purchase) the product<ref>Rogers, E. M. (1995). Diffusion of innovations. Fourth edition. New York: The Free Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.de/books?hl=en&lr=&id=v1ii4QsB7jIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR15&dq=rogers+five+stages+of+adoption&ots=DK-osRTo8Q&sig=vJs6qGfhdKMg9YZ03_u55ombdng#v=onepage&q=stages%20adoption&f=false</ref> ([[Drivers of Adoption: Innovation and Behavioural Theory|stages of the adoption process of ideas and technology]]). Furthermore, commercializing a product involves a set of activities to persuade customers. According to the marketing theory, 85% of customers place colour as a primary reason why they buy a product and visual appearance is a factor that consumers consider overall 93%<ref>Kissmetrics. (2017). How do colors affect purchases? Retrieved from Kissmetrics Blog. A blog about analytics, marketing and testing: https://blog.kissmetrics.com/color-psychology/?wide=1</ref>.<br/> | + | When modifications in design answer to what users want, it is just a matter of available information about the product <span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">for potential users </span>and expect them to try (purchase) the product<ref>Rogers, E. M. (1995). Diffusion of innovations. Fourth edition. New York: The Free Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.de/books?hl=en&lr=&id=v1ii4QsB7jIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR15&dq=rogers+five+stages+of+adoption&ots=DK-osRTo8Q&sig=vJs6qGfhdKMg9YZ03_u55ombdng#v=onepage&q=stages%20adoption&f=false</ref> ([[Drivers of Adoption: Innovation and Behavioural Theory|stages of the adoption process of ideas and technology]]). Furthermore, commercializing a product involves a set of activities to persuade customers. According to the marketing theory, 85% of customers place colour as a primary reason why they buy a product and visual appearance is a factor that consumers consider overall 93%<ref>Kissmetrics. (2017). How do colors affect purchases? Retrieved from Kissmetrics Blog. A blog about analytics, marketing and testing: https://blog.kissmetrics.com/color-psychology/?wide=1</ref>.<br/> |
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| | The following Pico PV and improved cookstoves user’s claims were collected from different studies performed by various entities in different countries: | | The following Pico PV and improved cookstoves user’s claims were collected from different studies performed by various entities in different countries: |
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| | *‘A segment of users believed that stoves with plastic components restrict them to be used in religious functions or cooking for religion purposes’<ref>Guarav, M., & Vinaj, J. (2013). Indoror Air Pollution in India. International Cooking Energy Forum. Boon. Retrieved from https://energypedia.info/images/4/44/Indoor_Air_Pollution_in_India_-_User_acceptance_of_improved_stoves_in_Uttar_Pradesh%2C_Bihar_and_West-Bengal_-_Gaurav_Mehta_%26_Vinay_Jaju.pdf</ref>.<br/> | | *‘A segment of users believed that stoves with plastic components restrict them to be used in religious functions or cooking for religion purposes’<ref>Guarav, M., & Vinaj, J. (2013). Indoror Air Pollution in India. International Cooking Energy Forum. Boon. Retrieved from https://energypedia.info/images/4/44/Indoor_Air_Pollution_in_India_-_User_acceptance_of_improved_stoves_in_Uttar_Pradesh%2C_Bihar_and_West-Bengal_-_Gaurav_Mehta_%26_Vinay_Jaju.pdf</ref>.<br/> |
| | *‘It would be ideal to also be able to cook with the bigger pots' <ref>Cleanstar & SNV. (2013). Cleaner Cooking in the Markets of Maputo. Maputo: SNV. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6m2VtucIAiqLUM2VE4xcFhIa00/edit</ref>.<br/> | | *‘It would be ideal to also be able to cook with the bigger pots' <ref>Cleanstar & SNV. (2013). Cleaner Cooking in the Markets of Maputo. Maputo: SNV. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6m2VtucIAiqLUM2VE4xcFhIa00/edit</ref>.<br/> |
| − | *‘Perhaps for it to be larger to hold some of my big pots. The flame should spread more under the larger pots’<span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span><ref>Cleanstar & SNV. (2013). Cleaner Cooking in the Markets of Maputo. Maputo: SNV. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6m2VtucIAiqLUM2VE4xcFhIa00/edit</ref><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br/> | + | *‘Perhaps for it to be larger to hold some of my big pots. The flame should spread more under the larger pots’<span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)"> </span><ref>Cleanstar & SNV. (2013). Cleaner Cooking in the Markets of Maputo. Maputo: SNV. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6m2VtucIAiqLUM2VE4xcFhIa00/edit</ref><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">.</span><br/> |
| − | *‘To increase the height of the stove’<span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span><ref>Cleanstar & SNV. (2013). Cleaner Cooking in the Markets of Maputo. Maputo: SNV. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6m2VtucIAiqLUM2VE4xcFhIa00/edit</ref><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span> | + | *‘To increase the height of the stove’<ref>Cleanstar & SNV. (2013). Cleaner Cooking in the Markets of Maputo. Maputo: SNV. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6m2VtucIAiqLUM2VE4xcFhIa00/edit</ref>. |
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| | = Design Evolution = | | = Design Evolution = |
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| | [[Adapted Product and Service Design – How to Work Together for a Sustainable Future?|Adapted Product and Service Design- How to Work Together for a Sustainable Future?]] Summary and presentations of Prof. Kalevi Ekman from Finland founder of the Aalto University Design Factory and Noara Kebir is the Managing Director and co-founder of MicroEnergy International. <br/> | | [[Adapted Product and Service Design – How to Work Together for a Sustainable Future?|Adapted Product and Service Design- How to Work Together for a Sustainable Future?]] Summary and presentations of Prof. Kalevi Ekman from Finland founder of the Aalto University Design Factory and Noara Kebir is the Managing Director and co-founder of MicroEnergy International. <br/> |
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| − | More about [https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Atmospheric/sei-wp-2012-03-cookstoves.pdf putting people at the centre of the design process] in a study carried out in India to identify influences over household energy choices. The study applied a qualitative ‘generative’ research methodology to research on energy use and dynamics. [https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Atmospheric/sei-wp-2012-03-cookstoves.pdf Energy use and dynamics in villages in India]<span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> (stoves).</span> | + | More about [https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Atmospheric/sei-wp-2012-03-cookstoves.pdf putting people at the centre of the design process] in a study carried out in India to identify influences over household energy choices. The study applied a qualitative ‘generative’ research methodology to research on energy use and dynamics. [https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Atmospheric/sei-wp-2012-03-cookstoves.pdf Energy use and dynamics in villages in India](stoves). |
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| | [https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6m2VtucIAiqLUM2VE4xcFhIa00/edit Institutional use of ethanol cookstoves in Maputo, pilot study].<br/> | | [https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6m2VtucIAiqLUM2VE4xcFhIa00/edit Institutional use of ethanol cookstoves in Maputo, pilot study].<br/> |
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Designing a product is a process of solving problems creatively. Usually it considers not only the aesthetics and technological constrains, but also the user’s needs. A famous Swedish furniture and home accessories retailer applying continuous product development has identified five crucial factors for a democratic design, hence products have to be:
These factors can also be used in modern energy technologies design (i.e. efficient stoves and Pico PV lamps). ‘Products should be designed understanding that people want them to work, and to make life easier (function), that are beautiful (form), demand value for money (quality), care about the environment (sustainability) and are affordable (low price)’. [1]
Over the decades, continue development in design of stove allowed improved as a result of caring not only about the shape of things, but doing things better according to people’s needs and wishes. This have been possible thanks to the feedback provided by final users and taking a democratic design approach influencing from the conception to the final product.
Users dominate the market and therefore have the capability to determine the success of failure of a product. Consequently it is uttermost to pay attention to the users’ needs and their cultural context to combine with technical factors when designing/ improving a product. In 2012 the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) carried out a study applying a qualitative ‘generative’ research methodology
These features can serve as a guidance for other technologies, though it is important to contextualize according to the prevailing geographical characteristics and socio-economic characteristics and particularities. Taking into account the five crucial factors of democratic design mentioned before, long lasting and sustainable technology are not considered among the features identified by SEI as it was not was part of their scope, however granted warranties and good performance in tests (Pico PV and Stoves) could be considered to supplement these other aspects too.
Before a product is launched into the market (pilot) or when it is already in the market, it is crucial to gather reliable systematic data that allows to obtain the experience of users with using the product, to hear them express their views that later can unleash changes in approaches and even design. Different discoveries in the field can provide relevant information to adapt the design to current needs and wishes, needless to say that feedback has an enormous potential.
When modifications in design answer to what users want, it is just a matter of available information about the product for potential users and expect them to try (purchase) the product[3] (stages of the adoption process of ideas and technology). Furthermore, commercializing a product involves a set of activities to persuade customers. According to the marketing theory, 85% of customers place colour as a primary reason why they buy a product and visual appearance is a factor that consumers consider overall 93%[4].
The following Pico PV and improved cookstoves user’s claims were collected from different studies performed by various entities in different countries:
