Organizations and Markets

Design for the Bottom of the Pyramid

14 May 2007 at 9:16 am Peter G. Klein Leave a comment

| Peter Klein |

C. K. Prahalad’s “Bottom-of-the-Pyramid” approach to development gets mixed reviews. This firm takes it seriously: Paul Polak’s International Development Enterprises, which develops and markets low-cost, low-tech tools and implements for farmers in the developing world. Here is the web version of a Smithsonian exhibition, “Design for the Other 90%,” highlighting such products and services. “The majority of the world’s designers focus all their efforts on developing products and services exclusively for the richest 10% of the world’s customers,” says Polak. “Nothing less than a revolution in design is needed to reach the other 90%.”

Some designs, like the Q Drum, are breathtakingly simple, while others, like the Aquastar Plus! and Portable Light Project,  are more sophisticated. The One Laptop Per Child project is also featured.

Hat tip to Fast Company, which provides additional information.

Entry filed under: - Klein -, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management.