Kevin Denney; Reseach Associate, Illinois Institute of Technology Institute of Design
Friday, 4 – 5 p.m. | CEU: 0.1 [HS #6566 2.3]
Session Handouts (PDF)
It's no secret that the population explosion in the developing world holds enormous potential for forward-thinking businesses. A great many people have suddenly entered an urban context where needs are changing drastically, and demands escalating rapidly. Many corporations are trying to tap the "bottom of the pyramid," but most do not consider their market carefully. True innovation will come not simply through targeting this booming market, but through paying careful attention to context, and reaching out consumers in accordance with their circumstances. Denney will discuss a project initiated in 2003 which explores "human-centered design strategies and concepts for new products, services and businesses capable of generating sustainable economic improvement in the lives of people living in the vast base of the global economic pyramid."