Abstract:
The importance of socially responsible design and participatory methods for solving problems in developing nations is unquestionable, however there is debate about the level of follow through and impact achieved by such design research projects. Too often social design seems to end at the solution, with the implementation falling short. Designers have therefore begun to focus on strategies like design for outcomes that lead to verifiable impact. In this paper, we elaborate on this with literature and a case study of a project, which aims to support emergent farmers and the sustainability of beekeeping in South Africa, through the participatory development and implementation of an appropriate technology system. Demonstrating that a design research project that defines success in terms of outcomes requires scaled implementation to verify impact on peoples' capabilities. We present this paper as it relates to the Cumulus Conference's Theme 1-What do we wish to REDO?