Abstract
The design of products for developing communities
often excludes the end-users in the decision making
process. The study aims to investigate public participation
and engagement in the design and development
of the Tshulu woodstove. Results of this
research point to the need for improved communication
between citizens and technical experts, as
well as for narrowing the gap between the designer
and the user by encouraging meaningful engagement
and inclusion. Bottom-up approaches ensure
sustained participation of the public, in turn increasing
a sense of ownership in the product. These
results have implications for energy policy and
improved cookstove programmes for developing
communities.