Lab+7


 * Lab #7: Designing for the Social Sector **

Watch "Design a Prototype for Social Impact": Robin Bigio at TEDxArtCenterCollege @http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSjtiMBmESk 17:14


 * Q&A**

1. Why did Robin Bigio decide that he was designing for the "exceptional rather than the everyday"? (1 paragraph) After experiencing a catastrophic event while visiting Tokyo, Robin Bigio decided that he would design for the "exceptional rather than the everyday" to allow users to lead more delightful, ease-free lives. He realized that the majority of his projects did not make the impact he was hoping to make in the lives of the consumers therefore he decided from then on to spend his energy for more basic needs, to create designs that caters to improving the lives of others.

2. Why did Ideo start Ideo.org? (1 paragraph) Ideo.org was launched which deals with human centered design, Ideo's approach to innovation but for the social sector and social impact type projects. The project is dedicated to determine theoretical, social sector problems into tangible design solutions. Bigio became one of the first eight designers to join Ideo. They have worked on projects that involve health issues with regards to cook stoves in Tanzania, in the US, understanding brain development in low income families and in Kenya, the issues of water and sanitation.

3. According to Robin Bigio, what are the problems in relation to designing for the "social sector"? Describe them in detail. (3 paragraphs) The social sector deals with asking the toughest questions in hopes of solving them. The majority of these issues are not only problematic but also very urgent and long timelines that projects have, therefore another issue arises whereby knowing which to deal with first. From a designer's perspective, there are a few things that design brings to the social sector.

The social sector is very theoretical and abstract, whereas designs need to be more tangible and more concrete. Because of its long timelines and design is about iteration, it is short and never fully completed. Social sector projects are huge and complex and design solutions are small, nimble and cheap.

The biggest tool that designs have offered is prototyping. Prototyping is information to ask and act on it. It is a tangible answer to a theoretical question. It is about finding a solution and it does not necessarily have to be the right one.

4. What were their three goals, and what were the three different iterations they developed to deliver water according to their goals? (Two lists, 3 items each).

Three goals: Delivers water, hygiene and nutrition products and education around that?

Three prototypes: Door to door service, kiosk (where people can buy their water) and a delivery man.

Prototyping is a powerful tool whereby villagers were able to rely and trust the designs that Ideo offered, which overall helped making their lives easier.