Investigating Innovation Practice: Cross-Disciplinary Studies in International Development

摘要: Author(s): Gordon, Pierce Edward Cornelius | Advisor(s): Agogino, Alice M Abstract: Innovation practice is a transdisciplinary field that aims to create better world out of an existing one by pooling methods and mindsets inquiry creation. The observes design contexts, assimilates the collected knowledge into problems be addressed, ideates solutions those problems, iteratively tests in real environments determine how they address these problems. Over past decade, has become more accessible much broader collection amateur designers. They utilize understand diverse include adapt disciplines, wide variety complex seemingly intractable issues. Due evolution fields’ popularity, debates began arise about utility place society. Development professionals treated thinking related fields as silver bullet could easily issues global poverty. Critics asked if was different from whether delivers demonstrable impact, democratization ‘amateur’ designers even worthwhile. However, revealed little practitioners conduct innovation first place. To learn activities, benefits, methods, obstacles beneficial development-focused practice, I detail three studies apply lenses analysis narratives see various collectives self-determined innovators actually their craft. study outlines systematic literature review human-centered for development. By applying principles population researcher-designers narratives, we with human-centeredness mind. outline previously conducted nature this field, which describe population, location, history, projects use across contexts. participatory In so doing, statistics prevalence reveal report complexities participation, collect insights stakeholders who are allowed design. then sums up importance investigative populations researchers can ‘good practice’ perceived. second describes ethnographic evaluation notable actors Botswana community. This begins reflection on epistemological frictions between popular impact evaluation. After revealing theoretical practical gaps evaluate, introduce policies, institutions support national level, while describing activities perceive them. creation grassroots community practices co-design locally technologies outlining history its indigenous narrative two formative workshops. approaches, purpose, involved local institutions. reveals tools applicable many approaches aligned misaligned each other. Finally, facilitation country, clarify cultural, institutional, barriers qualities hinder potential benefit innovation. final inadequacies ethics systems practice. While investigating previous chapter, happened upon no simple solutions, few resources development-centric effectively navigate space. Moreover, facing country’s institutional board system, gained first-hand experience goals, dynamics, limitations research system ethics. chapter unpacks ethical fails align needs suggests alternatives draw future use. dissertation possibilities perceptions evolving ecosystem, details understudied development These ‘good’ wholly based context it applied: practitioners, tools, environment where used, whom interact. Though communities than ever, does not mean itself becomes simpler. cross-contextual analysis, evaluation, amorphous, requires responsive respectful contexts situated. unique dynamics development-centered but essential any designers’ toolbox ensure collectively world.