Using Design Thinking to Improve Cook Stoves Development in Mexico
Elena Ferriz Bosque, María Luisa Martínez Muneta, Gregorio Romero, Berta Suárez Esteban, Víctor Berrueta, Alberto Beltrán, Omar Masera
Abstract
A traditional use of bioenergy is the main source of residential energy in developing countries, essentially using firewood to cook, boil water or heating affecting people in developing countries. Improved cook stoves are more efficient and less polluting, and there is a need to evaluate different design options to facilitate their adoption. There are different types of very economical improved cookstoves with high combustion efficiency. In Mexico, multiple projects about cook stoves have been carried out, the root of this study being one of them: the Patsari cook stoves. The goal of this project was to modify previous stove designs to align with local people’s habits and traditions. This study shows the importance of including the participation of users in the design of the portable model of Patsari cook stoves, applying the Design Thinking methodology. Many designs or design changes have been carried out on cook stoves by different researchers, but users often do not adapt to them. This article, through a field study, shows the importance of integrating theoretical analyses along with user experiences to facilitate the adoption of improved cook stoves and ensure their success.