Design guidelines for pervasive computing: Implications of technology use in Africa

The fast economic growth lead by worlds emerging markets, has created the need for designing suitable Pervasive technology (aka PerComp), aimed at emerging markets. However, for designing suitable PerComp, it is essential to understand the implications of PerComp technology use in emerging market context. We studied information sharing practices and implications of technology use in two rural communities of South Africa. This enabled us in understanding some of the central issues significant for designing suitable PerComp for these markets. We found ICT is in abundance but still underutilized, oral communications are preferred means of sharing information and need for an invisible technology. In order to achieve the socio-economic progress of low income, low literacy and resource constraint regions of emerging market, it is important to first understand the implications of technology use before designing any technology aiming at these markets.