| dc.description.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] | en |
