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Implementing the human-centered design approach in times of conflict

Wed, March 8, 3:15 to 4:45pm, Sheraton Atlanta, Floor: 1, Georgia 10 (South Tower)

Proposal

Across the aid and development sectors, there’s growing recognition that human-centered design (HCD) is vital for promoting digital service adoption—and thus for supporting learning outcomes —at scale. However, in Souktel’s experience, a standard HCD process isn’t always possible or appropriate when it relates to developing applications for education in conflict settings. Drawing on our background in developing a range of digital education and literacy-focused solutions for communities in conflict and/or refugee populations, Souktel proposes to contribute to the panel by sharing a number of best practices we have found in designing for communities in conflict, including:

· Putting an emphasis on security and privacy. While Souktel considers privacy and security as part of every software project – in accordance with many donors’ digital design principles – when working with vulnerable populations in areas of conflict, security and privacy must be at the forefront of design. Souktel will share a number of examples of security-related challenges and solutions we have encountered in our field work, and how these considerations should impact the design process.

· Creation of a common Code of Ethics for project partners. In conflict situations, implementers must have a much greater understanding of potential risks and harms that could be exacerbated by their own interventions. To mitigate this risk, Souktel advocates the creation of guiding principles that are subscribed to by all implementing organizations in a given project. This code outlines a shared framework for team members to consider he risks and benefits of digital solutions on all of their constituencies. Souktel will share some examples of this practice and review how they have been implemented in the field.

· Scrutinize your service plans. Content development, dissemination, and outreach strategies must be conceived a bit differently when they relate to deployment in conflict settings. A broad range of issues (for example, the timing of content dissemination, identifying and connecting with your potential service users, conducting content-related user testing, etc.) must be evaluated through a different lens when being used in times of conflict. Souktel will share real-world examples of how standard content and service strategies have been altered in conflict settings.

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