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{{cat header| Completedsheller.gif | Appropriate technology design principles | Small, few moving parts, easily repaired, affordable and more... }}  
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==Appropriate technology basics==
==Appropriate technology basics==
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==In practice==
==In practice==
Some additional practical considerations are:
Some additional practical considerations are:
* Using parts in the design that are already mass produced and that are globally or widely available reduces the cost allot. For example, ie tyres that are already manufactured for automobiles are frequently used as plant pots in permaculture designs, ...
* Using parts in the design that are already mass produced and that are globally or widely available reduces the cost a lot. For example, tyres that are already manufactured for automobiles are frequently used as plant pots in permaculture designs, ...
* Reducing the amount of material needed is also useful. Dimensioning ie metal parts to only the thickness as required for the structure's rigidity, allows to produce more parts and will thus reduce the cost.
* Reducing the amount of material needed is also useful. Dimensioning ie metal parts to only the thickness as required for the structure's rigidity, allows to produce more parts and will thus reduce the cost.
* Design using [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assimilation Assimilation] of several similar devices, wherever possible. This could allow you to combine the best of several worlds, hereby improving the design.
* Design using [[assimilation]]{{wp sup|Assimilation}} of several similar devices, wherever possible. This could allow you to combine the best of several worlds, hereby improving the design.


== Specific contexts ==
== Specific contexts ==

Revision as of 02:49, 5 June 2010

Appropriate technology basics

What makes "appropriate technology" is determined by context. Therefore, none of these are absolute - they are simply common features that make a technology "appropriate" to a world where many suffer a lack of basic necessities, a lack of money, and lack of equipment and technological expertise. They are also technologies that have a gentle impact on the earth:

The source of the technology doesn't matter much - it matters much more that it is appropriate. While the source of a technology sometimes becomes an issue in discussions of technology for international development, technology from anywhere can have uptake and make an impact, as evidenced by the mobile phone.

In practice

Some additional practical considerations are:

  • Using parts in the design that are already mass produced and that are globally or widely available reduces the cost a lot. For example, tyres that are already manufactured for automobiles are frequently used as plant pots in permaculture designs, ...
  • Reducing the amount of material needed is also useful. Dimensioning ie metal parts to only the thickness as required for the structure's rigidity, allows to produce more parts and will thus reduce the cost.
  • Design using assimilationW of several similar devices, wherever possible. This could allow you to combine the best of several worlds, hereby improving the design.

Specific contexts

Every context is unique, but certain categories to be considered include:

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