Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between culture and human-centred design in Botswana, a topic on which there is little previous research. The paper develops a framework of cultural analysis, comparing traditional with contemporary variables in order to develop a set of core variables that can be applicable to product design. Content analysis methodology was used to extract traditional variables from Botswana folktales, and qualitative data analysis methods were used to analyse contemporary variables. The results indicated that there is more emphasis on non-material than material variables. The paper concludes with a discussion of how to develop cultural strategies that will improve the potential of using human-centred design approach as the key to designing culturally sensitive products.

Keywords

Culture, Cultural variables, Human-centred design, Botswana

Share

COinS
 
Nov 17th, 12:00 AM

Socio-Cultural Factors That Impact Upon Human-Centred Design in Botswana.

This paper explores the relationship between culture and human-centred design in Botswana, a topic on which there is little previous research. The paper develops a framework of cultural analysis, comparing traditional with contemporary variables in order to develop a set of core variables that can be applicable to product design. Content analysis methodology was used to extract traditional variables from Botswana folktales, and qualitative data analysis methods were used to analyse contemporary variables. The results indicated that there is more emphasis on non-material than material variables. The paper concludes with a discussion of how to develop cultural strategies that will improve the potential of using human-centred design approach as the key to designing culturally sensitive products.

 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.