Lab+3

Lab 3: Human-Centred Design Case Study of Cellphones in Developing Countries
1.In three paragraphs, describe the role of Jan Chipchase in defining the role of cellphones in the developing world for Nokia, and the benefits of analyzing and defining their use in different cultures as part of their market expansion. ** We live in a society where cell phones are seen as necessities not desires. Mobile phones nowadays have become so advanced; they allow the world to be in our palms as we connect worldwide. Cell phones are attached to individuals 24/7 no matter where their location. Jan Chipchase is an employee of Nokia and has worked with them for seven years. Nokia is Finland based company that is recognized worldwide. Jan works as a “Human Behavior Researcher”. He travels around the world studying human behavior in different environments. By studying the lifestyles of individuals, he can conclude on what technologies need to be improved or implemented in to the next model.

Chipchase plays a very prominent role in Nokia’s development of cell phones and accessories. By understanding products from the customer perspective he can make them more appealing and user friendly. For exaple when Jan visits a family in Mumbai. By observing a poverty stricken family he sees their lifestyle and how they use the roof as support for hanging items. Chipchase can take this observation back to Nokia and hooks can be implemented as accessories on phones.

Chipchase realizes how "the cell phone is becoming the one fixed piece of our identity" (Corbett 2008). Nowadays, people are tagged with a phone number so they can be reached at any time and almost anywhere. Chipchase allows Nokia to penetrate worldwide markets by studying every aspect of human behavior in all walks of life.

Microfinance is defined as “ The provision of small loans (microcredit) to poor people to help them engage in productive activities or grow very small businesses. The term may also include a broader range of services, including credit, savings, and insurance. ” (pbs.org)
 * 2. How does the idea of microfinance support two of the key themes of sustainability as outlined in the diagram posted on your class wiki '5 Key Themes for Sustainability'? Write one paragraph for each of your chosen themes. **

It helps guarantee a healthy, strong and fair society by providing equal opportunity to all individuals no matter their financial conditions. In addition this helps promote prosperity and social justice to all individuals. By promoting this, third world nations can have the opportunity to become strong, stable economies and provide opportunities for its citizens to start small businesses and create personal incomes.