Based on research and practice, this book comprehensively examines the elements of what is needed to be knowledgeable and creative when designing for emerging markets. It provides an in-depth look at research methods in emerging markets and underserved communities. The authors demonstrate how ecosystems mapping could become an essential tool to define the elements impacting design decisions. They discuss methods to develop solution spaces based on the output from user research studies. The book includes case studies and design examples that provide insights on how to avoid pitfalls in designing outside of the comfort zone and for emerging markets.

Expanding into emerging markets brings with it a specific set of challenges for designing products and services. Not only do cultural differences play a role in what, how, and why customers behave the way they do, but existing technologies, distribution channels, and the wants and needs of consumers become additional challenges when establishing market shares in the developing world. Innovative Solutions: What Designers Need to Know for Today''s Emerging Markets describes the landscape of these new markets and discusses research and design methodologies tailored to them.

Local designers and researchers offer insight directly from the depths of India, China, and other parts of the world. They take an in-depth look at user research methods in underserved communities, new tools such as ecosystems mapping to define the elements impacting innovation and design decisions, and methodologies to develop solution spaces based on the output from user research studies. The book then presents real-life examples through case studies and interviews. The case studies draw not only from the authors’ work with clients such as HP Labs, Nokia, Haier, Philips, Intel, and A Piece of Pie, but also from user experience and the results of innovation research across the globe. The interviews include conversations with leaders in innovation such as Roopa Purushothaman, Tapan Parikh, Ram Sehgal, Steve Portigal, Dmitry Volkov, and Darelle van Greunen.

A fascinating perspective of the users and ecosystem in emerging nations, the book provides deeper insights on how a user-centered innovation and design approach has been applied in practical settings. Examining the challenges of innovating and designing for emerging markets, it incorporates research and practice to explore new ways of uncovering the riches and opportunities in innovation and design for emerging markets.