Using Design Thinking to Improve Cook Stoves Development in Mexico

Elena Ferriz Bosque, Luisa M. Muneta, Gregorio Romero Rey, Berta Suarez, Víctor Berrueta, Alberto Beltrán and Omar Masera
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Elena Ferriz Bosque: Mechanical Engineering Department, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Luisa M. Muneta: Mechanical Engineering Department, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Gregorio Romero Rey: Mechanical Engineering Department, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Berta Suarez: Mechanical Engineering Department, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Víctor Berrueta: Grupo Interdisciplinario de Tecnología Rural Apropiada (GIRA), Morelia 61613, Mexico
Alberto Beltrán: Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia 58190, Mexico
Omar Masera: Grupo de Innovación Ecotecnológica y Bioenergía (GIEB), Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad (IIES), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Morelia 58190, Mexico

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: A traditional use of bioenergy is the main source of residential energy in developing countries, essentially using firewood to cook, boil water or heating affecting people in developing countries. Improved cook stoves are more efficient and less polluting, and there is a need to evaluate different design options to facilitate their adoption. There are different types of very economical improved cookstoves with high combustion efficiency. In Mexico, multiple projects about cook stoves have been carried out, the root of this study being one of them: the Patsari cook stoves. The goal of this project was to modify previous stove designs to align with local people’s habits and traditions. This study shows the importance of including the participation of users in the design of the portable model of Patsari cook stoves, applying the Design Thinking methodology. Many designs or design changes have been carried out on cook stoves by different researchers, but users often do not adapt to them. This article, through a field study, shows the importance of integrating theoretical analyses along with user experiences to facilitate the adoption of improved cook stoves and ensure their success.

Keywords: improved cook stove; Patsari; design thinking; simulations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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