Using Design Thinking to Improve Cook Stoves Development in Mexico

A traditional use of bioenergy is the main source of residential energy in developing countries, essentially using firewood to cook, boil water or heating affecting people in developing countries. Improved kitchens are more efficient and less polluting, and there is a need to evaluate different design options to facilitate their adoption. There are different types of very economical improved cook stoves with high combustion efficiency. In Mexico, multiple projects about cook stoves have been carried out, the root of this study being one of them, the Patsari cook stoves. The goal of this project was to modify previous designs to align with the habits and traditions. This study shows the importance of including the participation of the users in the design of the portable model of the Patsari cook stoves, applying Design Thinking methodology. Many designs or design changes have been done on cook stoves by different researchers, but users do not adapt to them. This article, through a field study, shows the importance of theoretical analyses along with user experiences to facilitate the adoption of these improves cook stoves and ensure their success.