A Design Space and Business Strategy Exploration Tool for Infrastructure-based Ventures in Developing Communities.

Abstract

Technology ventures in developing communities often fail because of disconnects between the designer, the implementer and the end-user. There is a growing trend towards curricular and extra-curricular programs and student clubs that focus on appropriate technology-based projects to address the needs of marginalized communities at the Base of the Pyramid (BOP). Finding the optimum distribution of time, money and sweat equity to be shared by the communities and partnering organizations can be pivotal in achieving long-term, sustainable impact for the communities. The E-Spot model seeks to identify the appropriate stakeholders within a venture and define their individual roles and the form of equity they might offer towards fulfilling the overarching objectives of the venture, while meeting their own needs. This model is the basis for the E-Spot canvas, a design space and business strategy exploration tool. The canvas facilitates group-thinking amongst stakeholders to match project resource requirements with time, money sweat and other equities that can be expended by them to sustain their project socially, economically and environmentally.