Eduscope

Empowering the students at I.O.Me 001 to develop digital microscopes targeting low-resource secondary schools in Kenya

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

V.S.P. van den Burg Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

J.C. Diehl Design for Sustainability - IDE (supervisor 1)
S.M. Persaud Design for Sustainability - IDE (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering
More Info
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Published Date

14-05-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

This research, part of the Master Integrated Product Design Engineering at Delft University
of Technology, is a collaboration between Red Cross Kenya, TUDelft, INSPiRED, the
MakerSpaces of I.O.Me 254 and its participating students.

Originating in the 2021 Advanced Embodiment Design course at TUDelft, the Eduscope
project aims to improve microscopy accessibility in Sub-Saharan African countries.
Leveraging accessible manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, and collaborating
with local MakerSpaces, it empowers communities by giving them control over the project
and enables the fabrication of low-cost digital microscopes.

The Eduscope project has focused on real-world testing at I.O.Me 254, serving as a crucial
testing ground and incubator. This research builds on this collaboration, starting with an
in-depth exploration of Eduscope V2 and the MakerSpace at I.O.Me 001 in Mombasa,
Kenya. Three categories, featural, structural & sourcing improvements, were identified, but
more essential four missing pieces between the I.O.Me 001 students and the projects’
success were unveiled. Continuing on the four missing pieces, Understanding, Curiosity,
Trial & Error and Independence the research goal of “Empowering the students at I.O.Me
001 to develop digital microscopes targeting low-resource secondary schools in Kenya" was
outlined. With this research goal three deliverables have been developed to ensure a holistic
approach.

The Eduscope Rig is an essential tool in initial recruitment of the students by fostering
curiosity and understanding. Next to the educational function, the Rig functions as an
essential design tool by boosting Trial & Error practices and reducing supply chain
independencies. The Eduscope STEM project is a series of workshops crucial to bringing
the students up to the level where they can make actual improvements to Eduscope
products. Lastly, the Eduscope V3 Prototype serves as tangible and visual presentation for
the three improvement categories, creating an updated reference point for the students and
boosting the development of the Eduscope V3.