GUI 4D—The Role and the Impact of Visual, Multimedia and Multilingual User Interfaces in ICT Applications and Services for Users Coming from the Bottom of the Pyramid—First Concepts, Prototypes and Experiences

Abstract

Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) are discussed in the context of being used by users coming from the “bottom of the pyramid” to interact with and to run ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) applications for real life usage in their developing world. These interfaces are called “GUI 4D” (Graphical User Interfaces for Development). GUI 4D methodologies are a key aspect in enabling the users in the bottom of the pyramid to become part—within their own needs and capabilities—of integrated value/business chains, and also in finally closing both the digital and the social gap. They are presented and discussed here first from a technical and from an implementation point of view and considerations are also given on how the corresponding requirements, constraints and specifications are developed and used for GUI 4D implementations. Several examples, case studies and use cases from ongoing research projects, from existing pilots and prototypes and from related initiatives in Africa are presented. Some analysis of system adoption and the perceived benefits from using GUI 4D’s are then given and discussed. The chapter concludes with a brief consideration of target applications and markets for GUI 4D’s in the developing world, taking into consideration the dependencies and needs between the established and the informal economy in these countries. An extensive set of references used or related to the subject is given at the end of the chapter.