To explore the question of how the Biosand filters were used and to better understand what drives or hinders sound hygiene behavior, we performed 10 ethnographic interviews, where we observed subjects using the Biosand Filter at their home. Subjects were Hagar-trained users that have been using the filters for at least 3 months in the province of Kampong Chhnang. We believe that Hagar can make significant improvements to the maintenance, extra work and behavior that will allow users to more easily navigate the filter, understand it, and ultimately lead to healthier lives.
Results are based on a series of 10 interviews. The purpose was to understand user behavior and departure from sound maintenance and consequently, health. We chose interviewees from those who have used the filters for at least 3 months and have been trained formally by Hagar. To answer some of the interview questions, at times the subject asked their family members for opinions.
Ethnographic interviews were picked versus other techniques because of the richness of the methods. We were fortunate to conduct these one-on-one interviews to best understand the experience of actual users. The ethnographic interviews included some questions about their experience before we had the interview and had the interviewee perform the stop from pouring water into the Biosand filter. Before the interviewees completed demonstrating the pouring, filtering, and cleaning process, we explained the nature of the project, our involvement as third-party collecting consumer experience and had the interviewees give us additional insights and feelings regarding ease of use and experience with specific features. Interviewees were asked to commit 1-1.5 hours in their homes given its convenience. Interviews had varied perspectives, yet key themes emerged, which after further exploration, could significantly enhance user experience for the Hagar Biosand filter.
Based on our interviews it appeared that there are three common dimensions that Hagar should focus on: brochure keeping, the means and contents for additional education on existing filter features, improving user experience with the storage container and encouraging more perfect user practice with washing hands and cleaning the filter.
First, Hagar’s Biosand filter creates a sense in our interviewees that it is easy to use. Almost all users commented that it was easy to use. In general, our interviewees found that the brochures were self explanatory and use the filter with basically sound practice, such as using a 2-3 bucket system. Furthermore, interviewees liked the “diagrams” on the brochures which summarized different parts of the cleaning procedure. However, half of the subject 1, 3, 6, 9 and 10 have misplaced the brochure. To circumvent that, users typically recite from memory or watch someone who has been trained (subject 3). The information is critical, as evidenced by some of subjects wishing to getting another copy. Hagar should add incentives to encourage users to keep their brochures in well care. We may verify these by posing a question in the ensuing survey.
We suggest making small improvements for the education material. We found that users often had questions about various parts of the water acquirement procedure. For example, many believe that the spout is difficult to clean because they did not know it was removable. Hence, to better prepare users for long term safe usage, we recommend making an additional visit and brochure available. While some users like subject 1 wanted more information on hygiene and maintenance, subject 9 desired information on filter maintenance, hygiene and sanitation. We would like to explore user desires on a larger scale by introducing this concept in a survey.
Hagar could also benefit from further improving user experience with the storage container. Amongst subjects, subject 6 and subject 10 both expressed desire for more storage containers. In addition, subject 9 claims the storage spout is easy broken. The storage container is a vital component to the success of Hagar as it is the closest instrument to the mouth. Interestingly, some users (subjects 2, 4 and 10) avoid using soap because they are afraid of having soap in their drinking water. This is a key point of the education that needs to be addressed focally. In addition to cleaning, Hagar should make sure that that there is a systemic cleaning chain of responsibility. For example, both the mother and the son clean the filter while the mother is the only one trained by Hagar in family 1. In family 7, the boy cleans the filter had training, whereas the girl that cleans learned by reading the brochure. Hence, it is evident that the responsibility of cleaning the filter is not taken by any designated individual. In addition, those are trained such as the mother in family 10, feels as though they do not clean as well as the daughter, who was not trained. To making cleaning easier, we suggested using a transparent container so that algae growth can be observed conveniently. With an exception to the concern that the container might be more fragile by subject 2, all families expressed positive opinion to its adoption. We recommend testing the practicality of having designated members for cleaning the filter and the storage container, respectively. In addition, we might assess the need for additional storage containers for sale, methods to encourage washing with soap.
Regarding elements that contribute to sound cleaning practice, subjects overwhelmingly named desire to be healthy as the motivation behind cleaning. On the other hand, subjects 2, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 10 all claimed that they have a busy schedule with very little expendable time even with help from their children. Additional reason for not cleaning their hands well enough include children’s tendency to forget and not having a habit in keeping good hygiene (family 2, 9 and 10). Only subject 4 claims not having access to soap at home. Notably, subjects 2, 3, 4, and 9 all admitted not having the best grasp on cleaning the filter and the storage container. We recommend researching the applicability of approaches like having Hagar staff observe and correct user practice if necessary and offering information on acquiring soap.
Based on the above analysis of these interviews, we realize that we have received a wide range of perspectives from our interviewees. Some common themes emerged regarding how Hagar could improve its product. Furthermore, some parts of the education could be further improved, such as an optional lesson for hygiene, which is absent in Hagar’s program. Such program, currently offered by World Vision, may greatly improve some user experiences and lead to healthier life styles. We will design a survey to learn more about the issues resulting from the qualitative research. We will generate survey question to determine usage behavior, additional questions such as feature specification, types of new information that users desire, what users prefer to see in the Biosand filter and the perception of the filter. After we construct these surveys, we will distribute it across multiple regions reached by Hagar. Remarkably, health benefits can hardly be observed here. More than half (family 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10) of the families saw nearly no improvement. Overall, the general feeling about the Biosand filter is very positive. However, as Hagar continues to explore ways to perfect its product it will have to be aware of current user experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment