Applying Design Thinking Methodology to include meaningful Social and Cultural input to Mobile phone application software development

Abstract

Today everyone has access to mobile phone technologies and the use of mobile technologies for business, socializing, and entertainment. However, many mobile phone applications are generic and lack sensitivity to the social and cultural expectations of Pacific users. In this research we explored the design thinking research methodology to design inclusive mobile phone applications. The integration of traditional knowledge, customs, languages and forms of art are critical to developing mobile solutions for today’s challenges. This research contributes methodology, and the elaboration of methods in action to solve communication problems in current mobile phone applications. It also challenges many of the contemporary mobile phone application development methods and theories to be user centric. The harnessing of mobile technologies for the safe and sustainable development of the Pacific requires sensitivity to the Pacific and the many cultures, languages, and customs that new technologies are to host and not replace.