Innerforce
Knowledge is the inner force or the capability of somebody to execute a specific task.
The conclusions of the most important knowledge of a Designer4Billions are presented here:
Knowledge is the -partially unconscious- capability of someone to execute a specific
task. This capacity is a function of information, experience, skills, and attitude
Weggeman, 2000
How to improve your knowledge as a Designer4Billions, plotted along these 4 variables?
Attitude
The positive attitude of mankind to improve the quality of life of
BoP-consumers, does not mean that Designers4Billions need to have an inner
force to be employed in this market segment. The Designers4BIllions need
the same attitude to create knowledge about this topic as any other
professional: positive, efficient, proactive and with an eagerness to learn.
Experience
The experience in designing for BoP-markets of the different participants
varies between two and 20 years. There is no typical experience, that was
most important in their design project. They do not have common or specific
experiences (e.g. visit a BoP-market soon after the kick-off of the project)
which influences their way of working.
Information
Information collection about the consumer in BoP-markets is somehow
slower than information gathering in Western markets. MNCs prefer to visit
the consumers themselves. SMEs and foundations make use of NGOs or
public sources to collect information about the consumer. Statistical
information is only available on healthcare, and mainly about the largest regions
of the world.
Skills
The Designers4Billions are convinced that the most important skills originate
from the social field (n=8); the beta field is less important (n=3). The
mentioned skills within the social field are having: an open mind, flexibility,
communication skills and social skills.
