There is a need for many appropriate technologies in the developing world today. As international development efforts such as projects by Engineers Without Borders attempt to fulfill this need, the design process needs to be examined as it spans borders and cultures. This project examines the criteria for appropriate technology and design process steps through the execution of an appropriate technology development project from start to finish.
The project executed was the development of a Human Powered Utility Vehicle to fulfill the transport needs of rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to establish basic infrastructure, a sustainable, affordable method of transporting goods and services is essential. This research project fulfills this need by the design of an appropriate utility transportation solution for such communities, with multiple applications for farming and other productivity. The researcher took a total of three trips, two for assessment and benchmarking, and one for a final implementation of the design for customer feedback and performance testing. The design was also taught to local workers and made public-domain such that it can be produced if the design is successful.