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Title: A Mixed-Method Approach: Design of a Novel Sensor System to Measure Cookstove Usage and Fuel Consumption
Abstract— Stakeholders in the improved cookstove sector have called for better monitoring tools to quantify the adoption and technical performance of these devices. To meet this need, researchers at Oregon State University developed the Fuel, Usage and Emissions Logger (FUEL), an integrated logging load cell and temperature sensor that measures household fuel consumption and cookstove usage. This paper outlines the design process of the FUEL system using a mixed-method ethnographic approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data to inform each step in the design process. The ethnographic methods used for field studies in Guatemala, Honduras, and Uganda included participant observation, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and focal follow. Triangulation of these results were used to validate or invalidate design hypotheses. Findings highlight general challenges faced during the design process of humanitarian technologies, including product adaptability, symbolism of “everyday” objects, and pro-innovation bias. Overall, results contribute towards a framework of ethnographic design research for humanitarian technologies.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1662485
PAR ID:
10093466
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
IEEE Global Humanitarian Technical Conference
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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