Practical Insights on Digital Principles

ICT4D Digital Principles in International Development

International development projects in ICT4D are adopting digital principles that aim to ensure that digital technologies are used in a way that is effective, sustainable, and inclusive. Digital Principles are developed to promote the responsible use of digital technologies to advance development goals.

Many of the digital principles below incorporate these key ideas:

  1. Prioritize user needs. Digital development projects should be designed with a deep understanding of the needs, preferences, and capabilities of the people who will use them.
  2. Promote innovation and continuous learning. Digital development projects should encourage innovation and experimentation, and should be designed in a way that allows for ongoing learning and improvement.
  3. Ensure digital security and privacy. Digital development projects should prioritize the security and privacy of users, and should be designed in a way that protects against potential threats or breaches.
DFID’s Digital Strategy for Doing Development in a Digital World

DFID’s Digital Strategy for Doing Development in a Digital World

Published on: Apr 23 2018 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on DFID’s Digital Strategy for Doing Development in a Digital World
I’m Frances Sibbet, the Digital Service Lead at the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). This is the lightning talk I delivered at the Digital...
3 Data Types Every ICT4D Organization Needs – Your Weekend Long Reads

3 Data Types Every ICT4D Organization Needs – Your Weekend Long Reads

Published on: Mar 10 2018 by Steve Vosloo - Comments Off on 3 Data Types Every ICT4D Organization Needs – Your Weekend Long Reads
After five years researching the effectiveness of non-profit organizations (NPOs) in the USA, Stanford University lecturer Kathleen Kelly Janus found that while...
Every Big Data Algorithm Needs a Data Storyteller and Data Activist – Your Weekend Long Reads

Every Big Data Algorithm Needs a Data Storyteller and Data Activist – Your Weekend Long Reads

Published on: Mar 03 2018 by Steve Vosloo - 2 Comments
The use of big data by public institutions is increasingly shaping peoples’ lives. In the USA, algorithms influence the criminal justice system through risk...
In ICT4D We’re Principled, But Are We Practiced Enough? – Your Weekend Long Reads

In ICT4D We’re Principled, But Are We Practiced Enough? – Your Weekend Long Reads

Published on: Feb 17 2018 by Steve Vosloo - 2 Comments
Starting with the Principles for Digital Development, we now have principles for many development sectors,and principles for cross-cutting themes, including principles...
4 Digital Security Principles to Protect Yourself from a Cybersecurity Nightmare

4 Digital Security Principles to Protect Yourself from a Cybersecurity Nightmare

Published on: Feb 05 2018 by Praekelt Org - Comments Off on 4 Digital Security Principles to Protect Yourself from a Cybersecurity Nightmare
2017 was an exciting and terrifying year in cybersecurity news. The digital world saw an upsurge in headlining ransomware, disclosure of large-scale data leaks...
Introducing the Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development

Introducing the Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development

Published on: Jan 29 2018 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
The estimated 1.5 billion people in developing countries who lack proof of identity may be denied access to rights and services – they may be unable to open...
We Need a Culture of Evidence-Informed Action in Technology for Social Change

We Need a Culture of Evidence-Informed Action in Technology for Social Change

Published on: Nov 20 2017 by Guest Writer - 4 Comments
As a profession, the technology for social change field is at least a decade old. We can and should be working to professionalize, setting standards and improving...
4 Ways We Overcame ICT4D Pilotitis in Vietnam

4 Ways We Overcame ICT4D Pilotitis in Vietnam

Published on: Sep 20 2017 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on 4 Ways We Overcame ICT4D Pilotitis in Vietnam
We all know the dangers of “pilotitis” in the ICT4D and mHealth space. The potential for new ideas and innovations is seemingly limitless, but challenges arise...
Please RSVP Now: Practicing the Principles for Digital Development in East Africa

Please RSVP Now: Practicing the Principles for Digital Development in East Africa

Published on: Sep 13 2017 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Please RSVP Now: Practicing the Principles for Digital Development in East Africa
Please RSVP now to join over 100 of your peers to learn how to put the Principles for Digital Development into practice in your organization on Thursday, October...
Introducing WEST Principles: 8 Guidelines for Worker Engagement Interventions

Introducing WEST Principles: 8 Guidelines for Worker Engagement Interventions

Published on: Sep 04 2017 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
Over the last 6 years, the emergence of new worker engagement technologies has sparked industry wide discussions about the value of connecting with workers in a...