Title: Using systems thinking to investigate the sustainability of digital fabrication projects in the humanitarian and development sector

Authors: Lucia Corsini; James Moultrie

Addresses: Design Management Group, Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, 17 Charles Babbage Rd, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK ' Design Management Group, Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, 17 Charles Babbage Rd, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK

Abstract: Recently, designers have started using digital fabrication to create new solutions to meet global challenges. However, many technology projects in the humanitarian and development sector have been criticised for failing to deliver sustainable solutions. This study responds to these concerns by investigating the sustainability of digital fabrication projects in the humanitarian and development sector. A systems approach is used to synthesise knowledge from 14 digital fabrication projects in healthcare, education and water and sanitation. Causal loop diagrams are created to investigate the relationships between the drivers and barriers to sustainability. Several systems archetypes are also identified revealing potential leverage points for driving more sustainable solutions. The paper contextualises these findings by drawing on theories from participatory development and cosmopolitan localism. It concludes that digital fabrication presents an opportunity for more local and participatory design; however, sustainability is being undermined by a tendency to seek short-term solutions.

Keywords: systems thinking; sustainability; digital fabrication; humanitarian; development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2022.121155

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2022 Vol.16 No.2, pp.218 - 239

Received: 29 Feb 2020
Accepted: 06 May 2020
Published online: 28 Feb 2022 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article