#fast code design

I recently read this intriguing article discussing the possible controversy of Western design being too imposed on non-Western cultures and communities, and I found it very interesting particularly because we often do tend to think that our sense of design and experience at large in the West is better and more advanced than that of the rest of the world, namely within India, Brazil, China and Africa. 

There has been a superb upswing here in the US and Europe to use design to do good and to promote social advancement in places that otherwise seem behind. But did we ever think that maybe we are crossing a fine line of cultural boundaries and differences that happily separate life in Africa or China or India from that in the West? That maybe such communities prefer a life unattached to 21st century technology and advancement? That maybe they themselves understand what they need better than we do? That maybe our unconditional interest and willingness to help may come off as another form of Western cultural imperialism?  

We at Holstee celebrate kickass products, sustainably made, with a social impact, and have products directly tied to improving life in places such as India, where the Holstee Wallet helps fund education+healthcare through a local NGO we've partnered up with, but it's always good to take a step back and reevaluate one's perspective, purpose and approach, and to consider all sensitive boundaries that may be crossed when working to serve another culture. 

So, food for thought- how exactly is Western design received in country X, Y and Z? 

And are we over presumptuous in our attempt to do good?

Would love to hear your thoughts and comments! 

Read the original article on Fast Code Design by @brucenussbaum who I also want to thank for writing such a great read- thank you Bruce.