Design as a problem solver
Design is problem solving with a focus on user-friendliness, aesthetics and functionality. The Norwegian foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway thinks that design can play an important role in the development of an improved and more sustainable society. Design without Borders is linked to relief. Design methods are used as tools to solve social challenges in the Southern Hemisphere.
Design without Borders offers the development of new products and solutions within business development, emergency relief, urban development and development projects; primarily in Uganda, Guatemala and Norway. Design without Borders is managed by The Norwegian foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway and financed by Norad, Fredskorpset and The Norwegian foundation for Design and Architecture in Norway.
Good results
With more than 10 years of experience, Design without Borders has achieved very good results. The use of design as a developing tool has amongst other things led to improved transport alternatives, safer equipment for mine-clearers and many local businesses have increased their turnover and sales.
The local design competence in the developing countries has also been considerably strengthened after many years of collaboration with the educational institutions, Makerere University in Uganda and Universidad Rafael Landívar in Guatemala.
Projects
Design without Borders, carries out projects in collaboration with businesses, civil society, authorities and organisations. During the establishment of new projects we seek to enter into projects that already have local interest and preferably projects that are already ongoing. The projects are developed in close collaboration with partners that have a specific need for design. Demands for investment and participation are given to the partners to ensure results with long-term effects.
Design without Borders contributes with competence to; identify the need for design, define the projects, develop a financial plan and plan the project, the carrying-out of the project and the follow-up afterwards. For every project, we handpick designers with special competence within the required topic.
Method
During the project, a lot of emphasis is being put on working closely with the local partners, the endusers and participants from other fields. The design method being used is determined by each singular project. In order to reach good solutions, the economical, social and environmental aspects are analysed and interlinked during the development process. In all projects, focus on the target group is the most important aspect in the development of products or solutions.
Background
Design without Borders was initiated in 2001 by Norsk Form and Petter Opsvik, and it was established to put a searchlight on the needs in societies where well-functioning economies and infrastructure have not yet been developed.
Norway is one of the foremost countries when it comes to solving conflicts and in emergency relief work. Norwegian aid organisations also have extensive experience with long-term development aid. Competence in this area has become a Norwegian "trademark" in terms of quality and ability to carry-out. In this context, it is thought provoking that the development of products and solutions in the south are not organised in a more targeted way. Design without Borders shows how design can be used as a tool to improve long-term aid and emergency relief.