Pictured here is the I-Team showing signs of jet lag before heading off to MSFT research lab in Bangalore. Once there we prepared for Tuesday's pilot being held in two villages south of Blore (Blore is short for Bangalore). One village is off the grid, the other is on the grid but has daily blackouts lasting six hours each afternoon.
The office which houses the MSFT lab is a fantastic work place conducive to brainstorming and collaboration. I was surprised just how nice it is. Later in the day Josh and I went to Nokia to meet with Nokia's India Design Research Director. As we walked off the elevator into the Nokia space Josh's jaw dropped in awe ...and a bit of envy. This space houses Nokia's India design headquarters, one of several design centers Nokia is building around the world for emerging market development. (Another design/research office in under construction in Kenya.)
The Nokia design/research groups are comprised of researchers, designers, engineers. Their role is to bring findings from emerging countries to the business units ensuring products are born of user-centered requirements, hence one reason why Nokia is so well regarded and the top selling phone in India. As one informed person told me: many villagers think Nokia is an India brand. Consumers feel Nokia is so complete and committed to India that it must be an India company. Based on the success and manner of working Nokia has established, it is definitely a best of breed company for those working in emerging markets.
