A new model of participatory design to improve social impact: Incorporating action research into the design of appropriate technology in rural Zambia

Abstract

Participatory design (PD) holds promise for developing appropriate technologies in low-income countries; yet there is little evidence of designs that are adopted by partner communities. To improve the fit and adoptability of new technologies, we developed a design model that integrates cooperative inquiry (CI), a form of action research, into the practice of PD and apply it to the design of a heavy-duty handcart in rural Zambia. The study is unique because it results in designs that are adopted and impact local work patterns. We attribute this success to a PD process that is enhanced and deepened by experiential and co-learning processes engendered by CI. We argue that incorporating CI can improve PD practices and the adoptability of PD-designed technologies.