Abstract
Learning is an essential element for social, cultural, and economic growth in developing countries. Effective learning requires education materials like desks, books, and writing instruments. However, most students in developing countries do not have sufficient access to these basic materials. This research examines desk designs for children in developing countries that are having trouble in learning due to lacking education materials. We conducted field research in the West Bengal region of India over the past three years. The study was performed using human centered design (HCD) toolkit developed by IDEO. Because entire families were living together in a single small room, we found that what students needed most was study space. The desk we designed uses a folding structure so that it can be used in small spaces. It is also height-adjustable, making it possible for any students to use it. Moreover, it is designed for both floor-sitting and chair-sitting positions to meet the needs of local students. In this research, we utilize a design process that is based on field research and catering specifically to local needs to create suitable product for users in developing country. The findings of this research can apply to students of other developing countries.
Keywords
Adjustable desk; Human Centered Design; Field Research; Research based design
Citation
Jeong, Y., Kim, S., and Lee, J. (2014) A Design Process based on Field Research: An Adjustable Desk for Children in Rural India, in Lim, Y., Niedderer, K., Redström, J., Stolterman, E. and Valtonen, A. (eds.), Design's Big Debates - DRS International Conference 2014, 16-19 June, Umeå, Sweden. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2014/researchpapers/31
A Design Process based on Field Research: An Adjustable Desk for Children in Rural India
Learning is an essential element for social, cultural, and economic growth in developing countries. Effective learning requires education materials like desks, books, and writing instruments. However, most students in developing countries do not have sufficient access to these basic materials. This research examines desk designs for children in developing countries that are having trouble in learning due to lacking education materials. We conducted field research in the West Bengal region of India over the past three years. The study was performed using human centered design (HCD) toolkit developed by IDEO. Because entire families were living together in a single small room, we found that what students needed most was study space. The desk we designed uses a folding structure so that it can be used in small spaces. It is also height-adjustable, making it possible for any students to use it. Moreover, it is designed for both floor-sitting and chair-sitting positions to meet the needs of local students. In this research, we utilize a design process that is based on field research and catering specifically to local needs to create suitable product for users in developing country. The findings of this research can apply to students of other developing countries.