Introduction to Development Engineering: A Framework with Applications from the Field

This open-access textbook introduces the emerging field of Development Engineering and its theories, methods, and applications for designing and scaling technologies for low-resource communities. It covers a broad scope, including mobile applications, electricity, and water provision, and draws on interdisciplinary approaches from social sciences and engineering. The book highlights successful solutions and failures in various sectors, emphasizing the core principles of development engineering for sustainable economic development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 652 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive open-access textbook delves into the emerging realm of Development Engineering, encompassing its fundamental theories, methodologies, and practical applications. Serving as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners involved in designing and implementing technologies for low-resource communities, it offers a broad scope that spans from the development of mobile applications for individuals with limited literacy skills to hardware and software solutions for providing electricity and water in remote settings. Moreover, this textbook is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, drawing upon methods and theories from various social sciences, engineering, and natural sciences.

In the opening section, the textbook provides a historical overview of "technology-for-development" research, highlighting its evolution and establishing a framework that formalizes this field and sets the stage for its academic development. It identifies common challenges faced in development and elucidates the iterative approach of "innovation, implementation, evaluation, adaptation," which serves as a guiding principle throughout the book.

The subsequent six thematic sections delve into specific sectors of development, each presenting case studies that exemplify the integration of engineering innovation with rigorous social science methodologies. These case studies encompass a range of technologies, including renewable energy systems, market-based solutions, educational initiatives, water and sanitation infrastructure, digital governance, and connectivity technologies. Each case study follows a standardized format, featuring common elements and discussion questions, to ensure continuity and pedagogical consistency. By presenting successful solutions to development challenges alongside analyses of rare failures, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of development engineering principles.

In conclusion, this textbook serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of Development Engineering, providing a comprehensive introduction to its theories, methods, and applications. Its interdisciplinary approach, coupled with real-world case studies, enables readers to gain a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with designing and implementing technologies for low-resource communities.

Weight: 1021g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030860677
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023