Notes from the readings

The global market as it currently exists largely excludes those who do not possess financial means or educational opportunities from becoming a part of by almost exclusively designing items to facilitate access to those who already have it. Design is considered many times in the context of the latest technology which is a positive and necessary thing, but is really only effective and beneficial to those who already have the technology and education to implement it. Design is considered with the intention of export, rather than considered within the context of materials and processes indigenous to a specific region. The globalization of technology enables poorer countries to have the potential to become producers, through access to the internet, which enables them to gain the knowledge and means to apply it. The downside to this is this technology requires a new set of skills and education to effectively use it. Consequently there is a disconnect between knowledge, technology, and skill sets. The exhibition that we are going to see in a week at the Cooper Hewitt, Design for the Other 90%, addresses these problems, showing examples of designs that consider the needs, available materials, and skill level of people living in less prosperous parts of the world, enabling them them to better sustain their immediate economical system, and consequently become contributors to the global economy.