Design for Sustainable Mobility – the appropriation of open-source technology in industrially developing contexts

Abstract

The central theme of this paper is the interrogation of factors relating the successful appropriation of open-source technology in an industrially developing context using a LeNS-inspired sustainable mobility project set in Cape Town, South Africa. Design for Sustainability (DfS) in general, and Product-Service-Systems (PSS) models in particular have both local and global components that interact in a complimentary manner to ensure efficacy. The sustainable mobility project discussed herein acts as a catalyst for DfS diffusion in settings far removed from their industrial place of origin. Naturally, peculiar challenges and unique opportunities arise that potentially impact on the successful adoption and mainstreaming of similar strategies in the pivotal informal economies within the contexts of appropriation. Further, this paper explores the potential for incorporating home-grown ethos (such as the community-orientated and participatory practice of ubuntu) to inform more robust and resilient social responses to pressing issues around sustainability. Linked to this place-specific notion is the potential for dissemination of DfS elsewhere in Africa as a vital contribution to the worldwide transition towards a more sustainable society. Finally, this paper articulates a vision on the future role of LeNS-Africa with respect to benefits accruing to active membership in the said network in various design programmes to effectively address sustainability issues in design.