The invention of the concept of “intermediate technology” in the 1960s marked the start of a growing movement to use technology to relieve impoverished communities. The trend intensified within the last decade with the introduction of innovative finance models, the recognized success of social ventures, the social responsibility movement, and the growing number of student classes oriented towards technology development for the poor. So much so that there is now a wide variety of terms and methodologies, including: social impact design, BoP design, design for extreme affordability, design for the 90%, appropriate technology, etc.
While the definitions and methodologies vary, the common goal can be broadly described as a quest to best meet the needs of the poor through accessible technologies or service offerings without compromising the resources of the future. It requires input from a variety of industries, including energy, farming, appropriate technology, business, manufacturing, industrial design, anthropology … the list goes on.
Each of these industries has a unique perspective and methodology they bring to the table. A designer’s toolbox is strengthened not just by being exposed to these methodologies, but by doing, trying, failing and succeeding at them for themselves. This is how we get beyond broad definitions and discussion, by applying our beliefs to our design process. The ultimate goal of CataCAMP is just that, to strengthen our designers by arming them with experience that enables them to define a methodology for themselves.
