Southern contexts                                                 click here for Print Version
These are intended as starting points for discussion and should help you generate ideas of your own. Once you have a project, you are encouraged to go straight to the 'Sustain-a-balls' checklist. To do this click on the icon above. Alternatively you may require a printable specific design brief, for these simply click on the link next to each context.

ITDG Contexts
ITDG 1: Sustainability campaign (specific design brief)
In many communities it is hard to promote change towards a more sustainable way of life. Identify a community (e.g. a school, a sports club, a local area) and a sustainability issue that affects it. Devise a 3D and 2D campaign to promote a more sustainable way of life.

ITDG 2: Packaging (specific design brief)
Many people can only afford to buy every day items such as flour or sugar in small amounts. In some countries, buying and re-packaging goods for re-sale is a useful income generating activity. Investigate the process of re-packaging and design and make a sustainable method for use in your chosen context.

ITDG 3: Sustainable power (specific design brief)
There are several sources of renewable energy. In many countries, micro-hydro power is a potential source wherever there is a reliable water supply. Investigate the appropriateness of micro-hydro power for an area of your choice and design and make a small machine that could harness that power for use in a small enterprise.

ITDG 4: Rainwater harvesting (specific design brief)
Ensuring an adequate water supply for domestic and agricultural use is a problem in many parts of the world. However, there are opportunities for harvesting rainwater when rains do come. Investigate possible methods of harvesting water and design and make a method for filtering or storing water suitable for your chosen context.

ITDG 5: Sustainable cooking (specific design brief)
Cooking outdoors on an open fire is a summer treat in many northern hemisphere countries. In the southern hemisphere it is often their way of life. Investigate existing practices of open-fire cooking and design and make a cooking stove which is as fuel-efficient as possible.

ITDG 6: Carrying equipment (specific design brief)
All over the world, people have to carry a wide variety of equipment or good to carry out their jobs – the tools of their trade. Investigate the problem of carrying equipment. Design and make a sustainable method of carrying equipment or goods for the person or occupation of your choice.

.