Cut the crap; design brief to pre-production in eight weeks: Rapid development of an urban emergency low-tech toilet for Oxfam. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haines-Gadd, Merryn; Hasegawa, Atsushi; Hooper, Rory; Huck, Quentin; Pabian, Magdalena; Portillo, Cesar; Zheng, Lu; Williams, Leon; McBride, Angus
• Is Part Of: Design studies. Volume 40(2015)
• Page Start: 246
• Page End: 268
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: case study -- product development -- innovation -- design process -- emergency sanitation; Design -- Periodicals; 745.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.destud.2015.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-694X

Abstract

Abstract : With the world becoming increasingly urbanised, emergency sanitation for these environments have been found limited and insufficient. Governments and NGOs are becoming aware that changes need to be made and innovative solutions developed fast. Oxfam GB in collaboration with C4D of Cranfield University undertook a design brief to develop a low-tech sanitation solution for urban emergencies to be completed within a limited time frame. A multidisciplinary team of designers and engineers developed a rapid, low cost, design-led innovation framework, which captured stakeholder knowledge to create a solution that addressed the problem and was feasible for production. This article reveals the journey from design brief to pre-production in eight weeks culminating in the successful creation of a new product. Highlights: Design-led innovation framework for rapid product development was created. Implemented framework to produce low-tech sanitation solution shown in case study. Project reached pre-production stage with 1:1 prototype manufactured. Multidisciplinarity & collaboration are key with time & culturally sensitive work. Generic frameworks filled with diverse flexible tools allow for fast progression.