The Application of Ethnographic Methods to Engineering for Global Development: The Case of the Improvised Betel Nut Cutter

Author:

Bhattacharjya Bibhuti Ranjan1,Medhi Saurav Kamal2,Kakoty Sashindra Kumar2

Affiliation:

1. Trans-Disciplinary Research Cluster on Frugality Studies, Indian Hub at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; Leiden-Delft-Erasmus International Centre for Frugal Innovation, P.O. Box 29776, 2502 LT, The Hague, The Netherlands

2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Agro and Rural Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, North Guwahati, Assam 781351, India

Abstract

Abstract This technical brief is an attempt to report a case analysis of Engineering for Global Development (EGD) research from India. As a part of the engineering design and research project, two models of improvised betel nut cutter (IBNC) are designed, manufactured and field-tested. Engineering ethnography is adopted as a research tool during the design process of IBNC. The “engineering ethnography” facilitated the participation of local stakeholders in the design process which is found to be effective for contextual understandings of the target community’s needs, aspirations, constraints, and socio-cultural norms and values. The technological intervention is expected to solve the problems like finger cut and health drudgery (musculoskeletal pain, back pain, etc.) of the women involved in the supari business in Assam, India. It will also improve productivity and efficiency in the supari cutting practices of women. This case analysis depicts the effectiveness of trans-disciplinary effort in solving complex engineering problems at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP). Evidence gathered from this study is expected to be a useful resource for future endeavors in EGD research.

Funder

Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development Division

Publisher

ASME International

Subject

Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design,Computer Science Applications,Mechanical Engineering,Mechanics of Materials

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