We Are All Emerging Economies Now
There's an interesting article by John Thackara here.
He cautions against a missionary attitude in design. It's an important challenge to all work that collaborates across the global divide. His conclusion about what each might have to offer is particularly interesting.
"The North, despite being wrongly developed in so many ways, still has plenty to offer. For example, Northern designers are good for casting fresh eyes on a region's assets that have not been appreciated by local people. The North also has useful tools and skills to offer: these range from service design, to technologies of co-operation, to systems for resource allocation (ranging from people, to water) than can be re-purposed for ultra-local use. The most exciting opportunity for innovation lies in combining the knowledge systems, tools, and social and territorial assets of South and North."
He cautions against a missionary attitude in design. It's an important challenge to all work that collaborates across the global divide. His conclusion about what each might have to offer is particularly interesting.
"The North, despite being wrongly developed in so many ways, still has plenty to offer. For example, Northern designers are good for casting fresh eyes on a region's assets that have not been appreciated by local people. The North also has useful tools and skills to offer: these range from service design, to technologies of co-operation, to systems for resource allocation (ranging from people, to water) than can be re-purposed for ultra-local use. The most exciting opportunity for innovation lies in combining the knowledge systems, tools, and social and territorial assets of South and North."
Tags: developmentalism
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