Even those of us best described as “mechanically-challenged” can grasp how these inventions work — which is a big part of the point. In fact, it is #4 on Smith’s list of“Seven Rules for Low-Tech Engineering”:
Create “transparent” technologies, ones that are easily understood by the users, and promote local innovation.
Rule #7 also focuses on the critical user-interface issue, but with a emphasis on design as an iterative, rather than a static, process:
Personally, I have given up hope of ever understanding all the nifty features on my too-smart-for-its-own-good cell phone. But I know I could master that corn-shucker (the“Design on $2 a Day” video includes a segment on it — note to MIT: video embed codes please…)
Rule #7 also focuses on the critical user-interface issue, but with a emphasis on design as an iterative, rather than a static, process:
If it works, the Cambodian lab would also serve as a prototype for labs in other developing countries. Given the infrastructure hurdles (electricity, connectivity, etc.) if the concept can make it in here — to paraphrase Frank Sinatra — it can make it anywhere.