Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
Design for micro-enterprise: a field study of user preference behavior
Austin-Breneman, Jesse; Yang, Maria
Type:
Year:
2017
Editor:
Anja Maier, Stanko Škec, Harrison Kim, Michael Kokkolaras, Josef Oehmen, Georges Fadel, Filippo Salustri, Mike Van der Loos
Author:
Series:
ICED
Institution:
1: University of Michigan, United States of America; 2: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States of America
Section:
Resource Sensitive Design, Design Research Applications and Case Studies
Page(s):
219-228
ISBN:
978-1-904670-89-6
ISSN:
2220-4342
Abstract:
Product development serving the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) is an increasing part of many organizations’ growth strategies, from social enterprises to large multi-national companies. In response to this need, research has focused on developing new design approaches for reaching these users. Previous work by the authors identified targeting micro-entrepreneurs as one increasingly used strategy. This field study expands on the previous work by examining micro-entrepreneur purchasing decisions in the public toilet sector in East Africa. Results from interviews with thirty-three franchisees of a public toilet franchise and other stakeholders in the system are presented. Analyses of purchasing practices and interview responses highlight how the micro-entrepreneur’s business strategy is key to the purchasing decisions and therefore should be closely examined by designers.
Keywords:
