technology problems. Catapult Design works with established NGOs based in the developing world who have design or technology needs that they struggle to address. We are their innovation and technology resource, engaging them in the design process and outputting products that provide essential needs for life – clean water, electricity, improved health, safety, food security. Catapult Design is based on a consulting model, staffed with motivated and experienced engineers and designers. Over the past three years we have engaged with both non-profit and for-profit organizations developing their technology needs. Our work to date includes: fuel-efficient cookstoves, pico-wind power generation, personal water transportation, tools for enabling bio-sand filters, and SODIS. Catapult Design is also strategically aligned with Engineers Without Borders – USA, an international non-profit with tens of thousands of professional and student members. EWB operates in 42 countries and has an international network of NGOs and foundations. Catapult Design leverages EWB-USA’s experience in development and acts as the design and technology liaison for all EWB chapters. In this way, Catapult builds a support team that includes thousands of engineers around the country and works to expand its operations into each of universities and cities. We believe technology is empowering and liberating and we believe the impact of thoughtful design. We are uniquely positioned to provide our partners with the tools they need to tackle problems through appropriate and sustainable technology development.

Describe the critical need your solution addresses.

Although Catapult’s team has been consulting for organizations for the past three years, we previously operated on a volunteer-consulting model. Our team meetings occurred in the evenings and weekends at donated office space and machine shops. In order to better root our organization, we developed a brand in early 2008 and approached Engineers Without Borders about developing a strategic relationship. We plan to transition our team to full and part time employment next year.
To further expand our reach within the design community, we have developed a relationship with Stanford University’s d.School, contributing to and coaching their “Design for Extreme Affordability” class. We are in the process of developing sponsorships with Bay Area design firms and have established Catapult Advising Team focused on technology assessment, development, and implementation. Our Advising Team is made up of international leaders in design and developing world technologies.

In September we gave a final presentation to the Engineers Without Borders Board of Directors and in October presented Catapult Design to the international development community at Pop!Tech 2008.

Looking forward, the immediate next step for Catapult Design is to establish a machine and prototype shop. Technology and design is our core service, and we need a consistent location for group meetings, brainstorms, prototype development, and project storage space. The next immediate use of funds would go towards compensating our staff for the non-project based work that is needed in order to grow Catapult Design into an entity capable of replicating itself around the country. We need to devote time to developing strong communication methods between Catapult and EWB-USA satellite design teams, establishing design thinking workshops, and generate the internal documentation needed to standardize project procedures. Documentation includes proper project and partner NGO assessment, reference materials for developing world design, implementation strategy, and impact assessment.

Explain your initiative in more depth and its stage of development.

Comprehensive. Design consulting isn’t novel – design firms worldwide operate successful client campaigns serving industrialized markets. Replicating that strategy, Catapult works with a new type of client: organizations serving bottom-of-the-pyramid markets.

Anticipatory. The future of technology for the developing world lies in:
• sharing technology knowledge – past and present,
• transferring design methodology to developing world communities,
• the growing number of designers interested in humanitarian work.

Ecological. Catapult value’s designs that are economically viable, socially just, and respectful of our natural ecosystem. Environmental impact assessment includes: materials, energy consumption, toxicity, and health impact.

Feasible. Replicable. Our in-the-field partners provide access to and trust of our end users – necessities required to generate effective technology that meets user needs. Success is coupled with our partners’ ability to implement, measure impact, and take technologies to scale. Developing world design consulting is replicable model – a task we intend to take on with EWB-USA.

How does your strategy and approach respond creatively and comprehensively to key issues?

Catapult Design team members possess years of experience in product development both in Silicon Valley and the developing world. Heather Fleming and Tyler Valiquette, both engineers by training, lead Catapult Design. After graduating from Stanford University in 2002 with a degree in Product Design, Heather has worked as a product designer for D2M, Inc. – a highly respected Silicon Valley design firm. Tyler received his BSME in 2002 from the University of Idaho and has since worked as a design engineer for Chevron and as a project manager Plant Construction. In 2005 Heather helped establish and then led the Appropriate Technology Design Team, EWB-USA’s first team focused on technology development. Both Tyler and Heather possess extensive international travel experience for project implementation.
Catapult’s team also includes an established advising team, consisting of renowned, seasoned technology experts currently working in the developing world. Our advising team is involved in project assessment and establishing impact models.
To date, we have developed a strategic alliance with of Engineers Without Borders – USA, and international humanitarian organization. In July, Heather was named a Pop!Tech 2008 Social Innovation Fellow for her work on technology development for the developing world and the Catapult Design initiative.