Innovative Design Approach for Technology Adoption for illiterate and Semi-illiterate Users in Rural Kenya

Abstract

Designing and developing user centered interfaces for users in rural Kenya presents the designer with exceptional challenges which in turn have provided a unique opportunity for innovation. Majority of the populace in rural Kenya rely on agriculture as the key economic activity. However, poverty, lack of access to the markets, as well exploitation from brokers and middle-men ensure that their economic status continues to deteriorate. Baseline survey analysis indicates the urgent need of implementation of technology as one of the key effectors of economic turnaround [1]. This would be in form of access of market information, good prices as well as superior farming practices to apply. The target population is however largely illiterate or at best, semi-illiterate and as such, most have rudimentary skills and exposure to technology. By technology we include in its definition TV, Radio, Computer and various handheld devices such as cell phones. This implies that existing design methods design and development of user interfaces are not suitable for the developing world, and with large investments being made in ICT for development and education in the developing nations, it is important, rather, critical that these developments are in fact usable, useful, appropriate and well adapted to the target group [2]. Through investigation of various self – help groups in rural Ukambani1 and Kiangwaci2 in Kenya, we have identified unique characteristics and environments of the users, and have analyzed this information in a multi-disciplinary design process3. This is with a view to finally develop an innovative human centered design approach that combines existing and new technology and addresses the unique needs of our rural farmers [3]