Value-sensitive design for indigenous people of Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

This paper describes an ongoing research and development project on engineering value-sensitive design for indigenous people called Mixtecs, and for wider segments of the system of focus, in Oaxaca, Mexico. Although the Mixtec people have creatively maintained their fundamental way of doing things from the pre-Hispanic past to the present day, they are being influenced by a new wave of conflicting factors. These factors, namely economical, technological, environmental and global issues, threaten the survival of the Mixtecs’ approach. In addition to these issues, the fast growing rate of crime also impedes growth. A crucial way to understand the current Mixtecan situation is to use complex systems thinking to address the core issues that inhibit growth and subsequently to implement action. It is believed here that there are essential issues of value and these have implications for engineering design. Engineering value-sensitive design may have important implications in addressing the Mixtec people’s situation without compromising their values, culture and traditions.