[ Problem Statement ]

In Ruhengeri, Rwanda, daily life is resourceful and resilient, but the community’s remoteness creates gaps in access to specialized tools. Local artisans and beekeepers rely on improvisation when supply chains fall short, often adapting or repairing equipment that was never designed for their context. The challenge was to use design thinking and HCI methods to understand these lived constraints directly — to listen, map needs, and identify where small, locally fabricable interventions could meaningfully support their work.

[ Outcome ]

Working directly with beekeepers in Ruhengeri, I learned how they produced honey and where their current tools fell short. Using only materials they had ready access to and the local 3D printing center, I designed a set of practical, low-cost tools tailored to their workflow. This included a honey centrifuge built from a standard bucket, a recapping comb using common nails as teeth, and a tinder fan inspired by historical forge designs to help safely calm the bees. Each solution was developed in collaboration with the beekeepers to ensure it fit their needs, their environment, and their available resources.

[ Year ]

2018-2019

[ Type ]

Product Design

[ Tags]

Human-Centered Design, Research, Prototyping, 3D Printing, Design Thinking, Community-Driven Design