Design for communities: An entrepreneurial approach to solve the problems of society and environment fuelled by product design

Abstract

In an emerging economy like India, is it possible to solve the unique problems faced by people at the bottom of the pyramid by design and development of special products and services? Is it possible to build new eco-systems for wealth creation fuelled by a for-profit social enterprise with main focus on designing innovative products for society? Can new product design and development be the heart of a start-up social enterprise that is intending to empower people at the lower strata of our society? In this paper, the problem of pollution due to plastic carry bags has been discussed. The attempt towards design and development of a compact low cost paper carry bag making machine to mass produce eco-friendly and bio- degradable carry bags from recycled paper to replace the use of plastic carry bags by setting up many small scale industries throughout India to empower people has been described. This paper emphasizes on the challenges involved in designing innovative products of social importance and building a sustainable business model around the product along with creation of the eco-system required to empower the communities by taking the example of a start-up social enterprise.