cct333lab3


 * __Lab 3: Human-Centred Design Case Study of Cellphones in Developing Countries__**

Jan Chipchase is a user anthropologist for Nokia and travels the world, mostly to developing countries to live with the people and study them while there. In his study, he most typically looks for ways in which telecommunications are implemented into daily life. This will allow him to come up with new designs for cell-phone technology based on the way people are using it; and not typically the way new designs would be released in developed countries. To be effective, he often takes pictures of his environment to show the people at Nokia exactly what he's referring to when introducing new ideas. A very important point to having an on-the-ground intelligence gatherer is not simply to increase profits for the company. Although it is the main goal and Chipchase does travel and meet people so that when they are able to get a phone they will choose a Nokia; the bigger picture is far more important. The bigger picture involves bringing telecommunications to developing countries at a price they can afford. With this comes an economy ready to burst in speed, efficiency, and sustainability. Examples from the article include telecommunication between a mother with a sick child and the nearest doctor, so she can find out if he's in the area and not waste time walking to him in case he isn't. Another includes simple things like a doctor text-messaging his patients to remind them to take their medication. Standard of living increases tenfold just because of slightly better communication. The last thing worth noting is that residents of developing countries have different needs and different uses for seemingly similar products. A telephone designed for a resident of the USA might have no use at all for someone in, say, Mumbai. Ideas like built-in speed-dial with pictures of the person to be called make for much easier telephone usage for the illiterate. A kinetically chargeable battery eliminates costs involved with usage of electricity, and proves even life-saving in the event of an emergency where there is no power for several days. Naturally, developed countries don't have these issues; so in order to understand which needs must be catered to, they need to send out guys like Jan Chipchase to find that out.
 * 1.**

Microfinance supports **Achieving a Sustainable Economy** very simply. The "phone ladies" from the article are a wonderful example to highlight this. Starting with the microloans Grameen Bank offered to the ladies in order to purchase "revenue-producing assets", introducing the phone as such a thing revolutionized telecommunications in Bangladesh. The ladies themselves were soon introducing microfinance to their peers by charging small fees for people to use their phone. It promotes the flow of money (thanks to small payments) it introduces true profits to the economy, and overall springs the economy in a forward direction. Microfinance supports **Ensuring a Strong, Healthy and Just Society** simply as well. Social cohesion is the first thing microfinance supports here. Continuing the example from earlier, more people are going out and spending money. More people are communicating with one another and promote a better standard of living and greater happiness. With the greater circulation of money and happiness, more ideas are born and job opportunities arise, which means even more money being introduced to the economy. Once the wheel gets moving in an economy like this, it will continue to spin faster, letting the people grow.
 * 2.**