Environment
Environment
This category focuses on the “integration of target technology with requirements, tools, resources, and social rules of the environment” (Kaptelinin et al.1999 p.33).
Are concepts of SmartBarrow consistent with the concepts and vocabulary of the domain?
In terms of branding and advertising for the scheme, the name SmartBarrow is perceived as matching the language of local food consumers. It provides an association to a traditional barrow as both a traditional food vendor’s cart and a wheelbarrow which transports fresh produce from the vegetable plot. The barrow then implicitly stands for freshness of production, locality and community. The notion of barrow is then enhanced with the adjective “smart” which further implies the system is modern, intelligent and supportive. “Smart” can also allude to the intelligent decision made by consumers to buy local and take advantage of the additional benefits the SmartBarrow scheme offers. Smart also has clear connotations with new technology such as smartphones. Shoppers will also be able to identify with the scheme due to its local character which is created by combining the reference of “SmartBarrow” with “Lancaster”. As the scheme is adopted in other localities, “SmartBarrow” can be prefixed with their own geographical identity.
Are characteristics/propensities of SmartBarrow consistent with the nature of the environment (farm, market, kitchen) etc?
SmartBarrow follows a philosophy of simplicity in keeping with the essence of sustainability. The hardware is designed as a low impact device designed for functionality, durability and flexibility. The components are easily available at low cost, assembly can initially be done by an existing, committed group of hacker collaborators and customisation is welcomed to suit local needs.The open nature of the hardware invites a community of practice to emerge around the building of the embedded devices. Knowledge sharing is a key aspect of a sustainable ecology and to this end it is planned that the individuals who build the hardware share these skills with others and continue to modify the design with add-ons and improvements. As many aspects of the business model as possible are designed with non-financial alternatives to traditional financial transactions. Labour, knowledge exchange and skills exchange can be provided in place of cash transactions and the loan, sharing, recycling and re-use of materials instead of capital investment. There is no accumulation of profits at the expense of any of the parties. The non profit nature of the scheme matches the notion of well-being at the local level. The primary reason to support local food producers is to increase local resilience for the whole community in the long term.
