Watch Design With the Other 90%

Design With the Other 90% is a fascinating documentary series produced by the Smithsonian Channel in 2011. The show investigates innovative design solutions created by professional designers, architects, and engineers to address various social, economic, and environmental issues that affect the world's poorest 90% of the population. The series features six episodes, each focusing on a specific global problem, including housing, sanitation, education, transportation, food, and energy.

The first episode, titled "Shelter," explores the challenges faced by people living in slums and refugee camps around the world. The episode features interviews with architects and designers who have developed low-cost and sustainable housing solutions, such as modular homes made from locally sourced materials, micro-housing units, and emergency shelters that can be easily assembled and transported.

The second episode, "Water," highlights the critical issue of clean water access in developing nations. The episode examines various innovative solutions, such as rainwater harvesting systems, solar-powered water pumps, and mobile water filtration units, which have been designed to provide safe and affordable water to communities in need.

The third episode, "Education," looks at the challenges faced by students in disadvantaged communities who lack access to basic educational resources. The episode features initiatives aimed at providing low-cost and effective learning tools, such as mobile phone apps, solar-powered tablets, and modular classrooms.

The fourth episode, "Transportation," explores the difficulties faced by people in rural areas who lack access to reliable transportation, which limits their ability to reach healthcare facilities or job opportunities in urban areas. The episode investigates innovative solutions, such as low-cost bicycle ambulances, mobile medical clinics, and community-run transport services.

The fifth episode, "Food," looks at the issues of hunger and malnutrition in developing nations. The episode examines various initiatives aimed at increasing food production, reducing food waste, and improving the nutritional value of crops, such as vertical farming, seed banks, and community gardens.

The final episode, "Energy," highlights the issues of energy poverty and climate change, which disproportionately affect people in developing nations. The episode features innovations aimed at providing clean and sustainable energy, such as solar-powered microgrids, biogas digesters, and wind turbines.

Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to inspiring people who are working tirelessly to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, using their skills and creativity to improve the lives of millions of people. The show provides a unique insight into the challenges faced by the world's poorest communities, while offering practical and innovative solutions that have the potential to make a real difference.

Overall, Design With the Other 90% is an insightful and thought-provoking series that highlights the importance of creative thinking and collaboration in solving global problems. The show appeals to anyone interested in design, innovation, and social justice, and has the potential to inspire a new generation of design professionals to focus their talents on creating solutions that benefit the most vulnerable communities around the world.

Design With the Other 90% is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between November 29, 2011 and on Smithsonian Channel