Jade and Daniël are two second year Communication and Multimedia Design students from Hanze University. In a project coordinated by the Hanze East Africa Hub and Entrance, the students created a plan to promote biodigesters in Arusha, Tanzania. Biodigesters are machines that use organic waste such as food scraps and animal manure to produce biogas. This product serves as a more environmental alternative to other materials such as charcoal, which is currently widely used for cooking in the region.
It was the first project in an international setting for the two Communication and Multimedia Design students. Daniël: “It was really interesting, especially because we had to learn about the cultural differences in design. How do others interpret it when you put an explanation mark behind something? We might see it as a sign of excitement, but it might differ in other cultures, for example. Cross-cultural design was a big factor of what we were doing.” Jade’s experience was similar. “It was new and fascinating. In a Dutch setting you are familiar with design choices and how you have to communicate with people, and that is very different from people in Tanzania or anywhere else. I think you have to be aware of your own expectations, which are culturally embedded. And you have to be open to understand cultural differences.”
The project was originally set to run for one block, but the project group Daniël and Jade were part of asked for an extension of another block because they were so passionate about the project. Jade: “all the stakeholders and people involved really appreciated our work, and that makes you feel like you want to continue. To create something that people can actually use.” Daniël adds: “That you contribute to something that might make a difference in the future really encouraged us.”
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