A framework for teaching Design for Social Impact

Figure 10: System-Product Harmonization

The diagram [Figure 10] takes into account the system as a whole. The ellipses represent the product. The smaller circle represents the product in its final form when it is closer to the core of the system.

When the designer begins to think about the solutions, the product idea is at the periphery of the system. This represents the broad level concept. As the designer goes further into the system circle, they refine the product.

This integration of the product back into the system is a critical aspect of Social Design. The product architecture is defined keeping the system in mind, and so is the product form factor. The designer roots the form factor and the functionalities in the understanding of the lifeworld got through the first hand experience [Figure 11] [Figure 12].

Figure 11: Product Form and functionalities exploration

Integrating our product into the system

After taking all of the above into consideration, we finalize on a simple product; a Edu-Piggybank. It is a household product, which has been used already in the homes and we are building upon existing user behaviors and at the same time keeping the human element in it.

We are thus not introducing any new product, but basing this product in the context of the system more strongly. The product Edu-Piggybank that we designed is worthy only if placed back into the system that we have defined. In itself this is a very basic product, its value comes from the usage people make out of it. We do not simply ask people to save money as there is a greater aim of investing into education, which will happen without the product, outside of the home.

Functioning of the Edu-Piggybank

This is how the piggy would function (which is strongly based on the system). There are a few families that will be selected based on their commitment to participate. Each participating family has one of these products. The families are required to insert into the piggybank a certain amount of money X on a daily basis. Family B saves money in piggybank B and then gives it to family C, and so on. In such a system, the transfer is feasible if and only if every family participates, so if one is encountering any problem others would have to take care of it in order to move on. When the family gets its own piggybank back -maybe after a few turns- it is time to empty it and spend the saved money. We build upon this based on the experience of observing the camaraderie that the families share within a community.

Families would then come to the project manager who would exchange it for class material. The piggybank itself will be an affordable, sustainable product allowing a constant feedback of the saved amount, so that it is easy for the families to check. The whole system is based on trust: we believe in the power of the village’s community. If a head of family decides to take the money from the piggybank, he will have to face a collective wrath.

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