Dear Members, We're pleased to delve into some great topics on DDN this month! Three new articles cover topics like radical product design for the developing world (backed by an innovative business model), CTCNet's Access Fund, and an argument for a new organizational tool that could make email lists a whole lot easier to use.
Designing for Change in the Developing World Since its inception at MIT five years ago, Design that Matters (DtM) has proven a creative force in the creation of products for the developing world. From an affordable, non-electric incubator for premature babies to the Kinkajou, a lightweight low-power projection system, DtM has forged new paths in the application of technology within developing nations. But as Francis Raven writes, the group's truly radical contribution may just be their business model. DtM refuses to own elements within the process. Instead, using "innovation chain management," a channel of external organizational partners provides the knowledge and input necessary for product realization. Assistive Technologies: The Story of the Access Fund As CTCNet convenes its 14th Annual Community Technology Conference this month, the powerful effects of community technology grants are highlighted by CTCNet staff member Tara Kumar as thirty-seven organizations get aid from Connections for Tomorrow (C4T), a partnership led by CTCNet. Most community technology centers and programs serve people with disabilities and functional limitations. To support this important work, the C4T grants program features an initiative called the Access Fund, which aims to increase technological accessibility for people with disabilities. Why Next-Generation Email Lists Need the Capacity for Metadata A contribution from DDN member Phil Shapiro, who makes the case that without organizational tools to manage today's onslaught of information, next-generation email lists are bound to fail. The answer? Metadata. Data about data: signposts that direct the user, making the information enriched and truly meaningful. Read on at http://www.digitaldivide.net As always, my inbox is open to your feedback, article ideas, and thoughts. Enjoy, Cedar Cedar Pruitt Editor, DDN EDC Center for Media & Community _______________________________________________ DIGITALDIVIDE mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.edc.org/mailman/listinfo/digitaldivide To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message.
