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S. Mishra and K. Vijaya Lakshmi
needs to address these issues in order to ensure adoption and sustained demand. To
ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of these models, it is essential to
develop them in consideration with the socio-economic status of the community and
market conditions in the area including the study of the flow of finance in those
markets.
There is sporadic evidence that technology research benefits can reach the BoP,
through innovative and appropriate delivery models (TARA 2012). In view of the
same, Development Alternatives (DA) Group has piloted an action research for ensuring access to safe water to the BoP through testing innovative delivery models using
nano-technology-based filters. The action research looked into testing its scalability
potential and associated barriers of these models for a wider dissemination of these
products in BoP market.
12.2 Piloting the Delivery Models
12.2.1 Technology Selection Process
Based on the readiness to be taken to the market in terms of economics and availability
of product, an initial scan resulted in the short listing of technologies for the pilot.
Five technologies made the cut based on performance, ease of use and wow factors. It
was decided to include the end-user in the final selection since it was a market-based
model. During the consultations with target end users, the filters and their associated
features were demonstrated to the residents. The feedback from the group helped
analyse and rank the selection criteria for the users. These are categorised as critical
and important factors in decision-making for the residents are listed in Table 12.1.
The decision in Table 12.2 shows the mapping of various technology options
against the above factors. The possible lists of three filters tested from the matrix are
Table 12.1 Critical, important and wow factors influencing decision-making for purchasing water
filters
Critical factors
Important factors
Wow factors
Attached storage unit
Rate of filtration
Aesthetics
No electricity
Ease of installation and up-keep
Tamper-proof
mechanism
Purifies and changes taste and smell
Sturdiness of filter tap
Sturdy and durable material
Familiarity of shape/design
Cost of ownership
Service support
S. Mishra and K. Vijaya Lakshmi
needs to address these issues in order to ensure adoption and sustained demand. To
ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of these models, it is essential to
develop them in consideration with the socio-economic status of the community and
market conditions in the area including the study of the flow of finance in those
markets.
There is sporadic evidence that technology research benefits can reach the BoP,
through innovative and appropriate delivery models (TARA 2012). In view of the
same, Development Alternatives (DA) Group has piloted an action research for ensuring access to safe water to the BoP through testing innovative delivery models using
nano-technology-based filters. The action research looked into testing its scalability
potential and associated barriers of these models for a wider dissemination of these
products in BoP market.
12.2 Piloting the Delivery Models
12.2.1 Technology Selection Process
Based on the readiness to be taken to the market in terms of economics and availability
of product, an initial scan resulted in the short listing of technologies for the pilot.
Five technologies made the cut based on performance, ease of use and wow factors. It
was decided to include the end-user in the final selection since it was a market-based
model. During the consultations with target end users, the filters and their associated
features were demonstrated to the residents. The feedback from the group helped
analyse and rank the selection criteria for the users. These are categorised as critical
and important factors in decision-making for the residents are listed in Table 12.1.
The decision in Table 12.2 shows the mapping of various technology options
against the above factors. The possible lists of three filters tested from the matrix are
Table 12.1 Critical, important and wow factors influencing decision-making for purchasing water
filters
Critical factors
Important factors
Wow factors
Attached storage unit
Rate of filtration
Aesthetics
No electricity
Ease of installation and up-keep
Tamper-proof
mechanism
Purifies and changes taste and smell
Sturdiness of filter tap
Sturdy and durable material
Familiarity of shape/design
Cost of ownership
Service support