Design for frontier contexts: classroom assessment of a new design methodology with humanitarian applications

Abstract

A new design method for frontier contexts is given a classroom assessment. The method adds the formal consideration of the design context to traditional customer needs assessment. Testing under both controlled and classroom conditions shows the new method is extremely effective, easy to use and well received by students. Implementation at three US schools has shown positive results signifying broad applicability in education as well as field practice. Here we present the essence of the method, results of testing and examples.