Pitfall #2 hit home for my project.
Pitfall #2: Using technology to solve a culture-based problem. Sometimes, the most fundamental issue isn’t tech-related. For instance, female infant mortality in many countries is largely the result of cultural value systems rather than lack of sufficient healthcare (although the latter is necessary as well). In these cases, well-designed medical devices aren’t going to solve the underlying problem of gender-based discrimination. Other forms of intervention are necessary for changing people’s mindsets.Though there are many technologies that can and will help the health system in Tanzania, so much more work needs to be done that isn't based just in developing a technological platform or tool. Unfortunately, solving culture based problems requireschanging cultures which is often a much more difficult challenge to tackle with a more nebulous path towards a solution; especially when you don't know the culture you're trying to change that well in the first place.
Fortunately the Global Health Corps system for pairing local and American fellows has been incredibly helpful for navigating cultural issues and Goodluck and I are starting to see some real seeds of change.
Hey Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI'll avoid taking the obvious bait on this post for a human-centered design plug. Actually just wanted to drop a note b/c the GHC next-round apps came through the inbox at work today (I'm helping out at catapult design which knows GHC founders from echoing green process), thought of you over there, just wanted to say hope all's well.
The mismatch of technology to a problem that has cultural or behavioral roots applies also to something as simple as handwashing in affluent countries. There was a great analysis of this in the New Yorker a while back -- I;ll look for the article. Hospitals thought the solution was adding more sinks, soaps, and disinfectant dispensers, but really it was a cultural or behavior problem that care providers -- esp MD's -- knew regular handwashing was correct but were simply not doing it.
ReplyDeleteHope all else is well! The videos are great. Keep them coming.