MIT D-Lab

About

MIT D-Lab works with people around the world to develop and advance collaborative approaches and practical solutions to global poverty challenges. The mission is pursued through an academics program of more than 12 project-based MIT classes and student research and fieldwork opportunities; research groups using collaborative practices to produce actionable findings in a variety of sectors; and a group of participatory design and field programs led by the practice team.

Approach

D-Lab’s work in participatory design and inclusive innovation teaches leaders and learners how to discern when (or if) to use a participatory design process to solve a challenge. Through participatory design, we learn how to connect more meaningfully with people of diverse perspectives, and to make decisions with them collectively and quickly. At D-Lab, we practice three types of participatory design:

• Inclusive practices when designing for people living in poverty (user-centered design)
• Co-creation when designing with people living in poverty (co-design)
• Capacity building to promote design by people living in poverty (user-generated design)

In following this design framework, MIT D-Lab is re-thinking the role of low-cost technology and design education in low- and middle-income communities and has empowered thousands to address the daily challenges of poverty through design, prototyping, production, and social entrepreneurship.