Conceptual Design in Informal Metalworking Microenterprises of Tanzania

Eliab Opiyo, Santosh Jagtap and Sonal Keshwani ()
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Eliab Opiyo: Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph University in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 11007, Tanzania
Santosh Jagtap: Blekinge Institute of Technology Sweden and Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India
Sonal Keshwani: School of Digital Trans-Media and Design, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru 560068, India

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-17

Abstract: Product design is a key aspect of human intelligence and creativity, attracting not only experts but also people without any formal design training. Although numerous people in developing countries design and manufacture products in metalworking microenterprises in the informal sector, there is still little knowledge about their design process. This paper aims to fill this gap in design knowledge. We aim to investigate the design processes in metalworking microenterprises in the informal sector of Tanzania. In particular, we aim to explore how these microenterprises identify consumer needs and requirements, how they determine the specifications for the product, how they generate and evaluate alternative product concepts, and how they define product details. To address these aims, semistructured interviews were carried out in metalworking microenterprises operating in the informal sector of Tanzania. The findings reveal many facets of their design processes, providing a sound basis upon which design methods and tools can be developed to support their design activities.

Keywords: conceptual design; design practice; informal sector; microenterprises; sustainable development; developing countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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