Investigation of the Product Design Process in Informal Microenterprises in Tanzania | 2021-

Investigation of the Product Design Process in Informal Microenterprises in Tanzania | 2021-

The products that surround us (e.g. furniture, bicycles, etc.) are outcomes of design processes. Product design is a fundamental aspect of human intelligence and creativity, attracting not only experts but also workers and self- employed without any formal design training. Although numerous people in developing countries design and manufact simple products in metalworking informal microenterprises, there is very little systematic knowledge about their design process. This project aims to fill this fundamental gap in design knowledge. The overall goal of the project is to investigate the design process in metalworking informal microenterprises, using a scientific method of ‘think-aloud protocol analysis’.

This two-year project will be carried out by four researchers — two from Sweden, one from Tanzania and one from India. In 2021, we will collect data in metalworking informal microenterprises in Tanzania, using the technique of ‘think-aloud protoc analysis’. In 2022, we will finish qualitative data analysis, will present results in one conference and submit one journal artic and will submit a joint research application to VR/Development Projects Grant. We will distribute the results in metalworkin microenterprises and other relevant stakeholders through seminars in Tanzania and India.

The project will primarily provide fundamental knowledge for models and theories of design processes, and will also help to improve design practice in microenterprises.

PROJECT INFORMATION

BTH project leader: Associate Professor Santosh Jagtap

Participating researchers:

  • Associate Professor Santosh Jagtap, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden.
  • Associate Professor Andreas Larsson, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden.
  • Professor Eliab Opiyo, St. Joseph University in Tanzania, Tanzania.
  • PhD Sonal Keshwani, MIT World Peace University, Pune, India.

Time span: 20210101-20221231 (24 months)

Funding: 307.700 SEK (Vetenskapsrådet/VR/Swedish Research Council, Research Network Grant, Swedish Research Links)

Partners: 

  • Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden
  • St. Joseph University in Tanzania, Tanzania
  • MIT World Peace University, India

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