Open AccessFieldwork-based determination of design priorities for point-of-use drinking water quality sensors for use in resource-limited environments
Author(s) -
Michael S. Bono,
Sydney Beasley,
Emily Hanhauser,
A. J. Hart,
Rohit Karnik,
Chintan Vaishnav
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0228140
Subject(s) - resource (disambiguation) , computer science , process (computing) , identification (biology) , point (geometry) , quality (philosophy) , conjoint analysis , preference , data science , process management , risk analysis (engineering) , business , ecology , mathematics , epistemology , biology , operating system , economics , microeconomics , computer network , philosophy , geometry
Improved capabilities in microfluidics, electrochemistry, and portable assays have resulted in the development of a wide range of point-of-use sensors intended for environmental, medical, and agricultural applications in resource-limited environments of developing countries. However, these devices are frequently developed without direct interaction with their often-remote intended user base, creating the potential for a disconnect between users’ actual needs and those perceived by sensor developers. As different analytical techniques have inherent strengths and limitations, effective measurement solution development requires determination of desired sensor attributes early in the development process. In this work, we present our findings on design priorities for point-of-use microbial water sensors based on fieldwork in rural India, as well as a guide to fieldwork methodologies for determining desired sensor attributes. We utilized group design workshops for initial identification of design priorities, and then conducted choice-based conjoint analysis interviews for quantification of user preferences among these priorities. We found the highest user preference for integrated reporting of contaminant concentration and recommended actions, as well as significant preferences for mostly reusable sensor architectures, same-day results, and combined ingredients. These findings serve as a framework for future microbial sensor development and a guide for fieldwork-based understanding of user needs.