3.+Needs+and+Existing+Solutions

** NEEDS AND EXISTING SOLUTIONS **

 Our group focused on developing a design that would cater to multiple needs. We wanted to efficiently integrate the paradigms involved in separate problems apparent in the third world, and come up with a solution that plays on the unique possible interactions between separate problems. We wanted to create a system of symbiosis where one problem solves another. Based on these requirements, we decided to focus our solution on Africa. However, the modularity of our solution (as will be seen), allows for it to be adapted to other regions easily. Within Africa we narrowed our approach to three problems that we thought could be integrated in a system of interactions. Firstly, there is need for water; the issue being distance to nearest water source, and filtering of the water. Then there is need for sustainable electricity sources in order to maintain public lightning, or recharge emergency devices. Finally, there is the need for public transportation. In many cases citizens have to travel great distances, in order to procure their daily necessities.

 Current competing solutions each focus on one key area. Water solutions focus on transportability or filtering. Transport solutions focus on sturdy bicycles. Electricity solutions focus on solar power. The overarching paradigm seems to be that the less it does, the less it is likely to break down. Solutions are kept simple, in order to reduce their components and increase their life. This brand of narrow focus, expects the populace to have specialized devices for every one of their needs. One solution for water filtering, another for transportation, another for batteries, etc. We believe this to be a counterintuitive expectation when dealing with impoverished regions. What we propose are solutions that tackle multiple problems at a time. One key issue to avoid is the creation of an incomprehensible device that once broken down, cannot be understood and repaired by the user. The solution has to be kept intuitive, and within the technological scope of the region. As such we propose the combination of service and product, providing the strengths of a usable product, with the robustness of a service system.

 Our solution, CycleCharge, aims to tackle the problem of transportation and the problem of electricity at the same time. CycleCharge will allow families to easily traverse long distances in order to secure their daily necessities (including water), while at the same time providing local small-scale energy needs (such as street lighting and battery recharging).

 **SUMMARY**

 Problems/Needs:  - Problem: Long distances must be travelled to obtain water.  - Problem: Shortage of sustainable electricity sources.  - Problem: No current public transportation system in effect.  - Needs: A cost-effective, low-tech solution for both transportation and energy problems.

 Existing Solutions:  - Only solve one problem at a time.  - Limited potential.

 Our Solution:  - A combination of product and service.  - Will serve both transportation and energy needs.