A Comparison of Two Transdisciplinary Human-Centered Design Approaches for Poverty Alleviation

Vechakul, Jessica; Agogino, Alice

This exploratory study characterizes two transdisciplinary human-centered design approaches for creating novel products or services for poverty alleviation. Transdisciplinary design involves the integrated use of tools, techniques, and methods from multiple disciplines in one holistic process. The term discipline includes academic fields of study that are taught in universities, as well as specialized expertise that are developed through life experience. Two pioneering organizations were selected to be exemplary case studies based on their high regard and influence within the design industry, social sector, and academia. This paper highlights similarities and differences between the design thinking approach practiced by IDEO.org (a nonprofit design consultancy) and the Creative Capacity Building approach developed by the International Development Design Summit (an educational organization hosting annual innovation conferences). IDEO.org’s teams of professionals (e.g., industrial designers or business strategists) develop innovative products and services for implementation by partners serving low-income communities. IDDS teaches people from diverse backgrounds (e.g., farmers, mechanics, students, teachers, doctors, and artisans) to create technologies and launch enterprises for poverty alleviation. The objective is not to determine which approach is better, but to determine what can be learned from IDEO.org about designing with established organizations, and from IDDS about teaching budding innovators to be grassroots change agents.