Image: Simpa Networks

The need for financial innovation in technology access is clear, and within the labs of innovators like Simpa Networks fresh perspectives are brewing on how affordability of other empowering technologies can be realized. Their model may very well offer a hand up out of the poverty trap, but with many other hands reaching up  there are is a need for further creativity and action in this space. Mobile money, alternative purchasing schemes, microfinance, gifting, and even new currencies (see bitcoins) have their potentials, impressive results, and sometimes bitter aftertastes/side effects…but the exploration continues…and it is making everyone from the mightiest corporation to the greenest startups take a step back and question the economic paradigms that create our existing boundaries of distribution. It may not require the blatant economic revolution that some predict (see Zeitgeistthemovie), but it will require a sidestep rather than one back, a lateral take to how we all (not just distant markets) buy, own, and share. Simpa Networks are not framing themselves as revolutionaries (not yet anyway) but like they say their approach is radical, and we expect that this is just the beginning of their ventures into access innovation.

Simpa Networks sells high quality solar energy systems on a progressive purchase basis to underserved customers in emerging markets through a network of authorized dealers. Consumers take home a system for a low down payment, then purchase energy service (kWh) in small user-defined increments using a mobile phone. Each payment also accumulates towards the final purchase price and once fully paid, the system unlocks permanently and delivers free solar energy (taken from Simpa Networks).

Simpa Networks commissioned us to assist them in designing their pilot, and in creating a kit that could be used to train and guide their staff  on data collection techniques, with a strong emphasis on Human Centered Design methodology.  We imbued the same HCD principles, that Simpa Networks wanted to train it’s staff on into the design of the pilot itself. We mapped the people, hierarchies, environment, constraints and agendas involved to get a grasp on how to simplify, streamline and optimize the pilot process.

Pilot Kit Prototype

`The documents that framed the approach had to be useful and legible to all levels of staff and stakeholders, and had to work in both digital and printed state. The training tools were designed to work as guidance for the Simpa Networks staff throughout the process, helping them stay consistent in their methodology, and synchronized in their deadlines and duties.

The ‘Meeting of the Minds’ session…discussing Pilot methodology

Catapult collected insights from a broad range people experienced in the challenges of piloting, and have compiled this wisdom into an open resource (Pilot Planning Words of Wisdom) which is soon to be available on our publications page. Having access to a rich network of professionals experienced in the testing of innovation really benefited our process.

Image: Simpa Networks

The Human Centered Design element was custom fit to the requirements of the Simpa Networks pilot, and the desired quality of data that they would ultimately collect. Decades of literature helped us inform this, as well as our own experiences of observation and user connection techniques. For more info check out our project page.

Image: Simpa Networks

Simpa Networks have now  begun their pilot, our relationship continuing deeper into the process, to help them communicate, prototype and gain insight to ensure their data is as rich  as possible, to properly inform their next steps.