An increasingly understood downside of the current global tech industry is designing for the rich. The iPhone X, for example, retails at around $1000. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of people in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia make less than $5,000 a year. For a decade, I have worked in technology for international development (ICT4D), which looks at how tech can impact development solutions. My presentation will focus on how we in ICT4D use UX design, agile and other common tech methodologies to design solutions for the majority of the world, not just the top of the economic echelon.
In my talk, I will speak about my work at the United Nations, international NGOs, and how tech has shaped my personal life in Africa, Asia, Europe and New York.
Mala Kumar
Mala is a tech for international development (ICT4D) professional who specializes in UX/UI design. She is based in New York, with frequent travel worldwide. She has been fortunate to work, live, study and travel to 30+ countries in four continents. Her debut novel, The Paths of Marriage, has been sold around the world and is recognized as a message of equality. Her articles and Op-Eds have been featured on major global publications, including The Guardian, The Advocate, CNN India and USA Today.
She specializes in UX, UI, and user/human-centered design for international development digital tools. She currently splits her time between the ICT4D and software development company, Sonjara, Inc., and UNICEF.