IDEO’s Human-Centered Design Toolkit

IDEO recently announced a free toolkit for applying Human-Centered Design to inspire new solutions to difficult challenges within communities of need. The toolkit was developed through partnership with International Development Enterprises (IDE), Heifer International, ICRW, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Human Centered Design or User Centered Design is based on the concept of designing products tailored to users. By involving the end user at each stage of the design process, the goal is to make products that meet and exceed users wants and needs.

I think its great to take some of the tools that businesses have used to make profitable products and see if they can be used for social innovation. IDEO adapted the Human Centered Design process for organizations that work in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. They say the process will help organization’s hear people’s needs in new ways, create innovative solutions to meet these needs, and deliver solutions with financial sustainability in mind. Check out the guides and let me know what you think.