Models of Impact Conversations: A Chat with Mariana del Carmen Somma of Calientamigos
Tell us about your research project! How did it start, and what was your process like?
The research on Impact Projects & Scalability began during my Fellowship with the Nike Foundation in Beaverton, Oregon last Spring of 2015. Working under the mentorship of Design & Innovation Director, Tom de Blasis, we were interested in understanding why the majority of social impact projects don’t reach maximum scale.
Taking a look at the global landscape, we wanted to research impact projects focused on physical tools and assets. The goal was to identify the projects that have successfully scaled, analyze their business models, and determine the key factors relevant to why they reached maximum scale potential.
The research spans an investigation of market-based and international development solutions within lean economies, and across multiple business sectors. Being that the information was so extensive and diverse, a major challenge was finding a way to organize and make sense of it. Several filters tested early on were too narrow in focus, so we came up with a simple framework to cluster the projects via scale tiers of <10,000, <1,000,000, and >1,000,000+. This structure made it very clear to see how the majority of projects (roughly 78% of the examples scanned) were scaling below 1-Million. From the remaining 22% examples, we narrowed our analysis to 6 key projects that stood out in scaling significantly over 1 Million+.
What was the biggest takeaway you’ve had since beginning this research?
The biggest takeaway from the research came from defining 7 key frameworks that were consistent across all models and seem to indicate relevant building blocks for successfully scaling impact projects. The frameworks stem from analyzing 60+ individual success factors within each project that scaled over 1-Million+. It was interesting to see the value and overlap of key factors, such as: having a reliable distribution/supply chain; developing a localized context strategy with relevant marketing communication and specific follow-up support; along with affordable solutions designed to meet the human need. The majority of the projects had at least 3–5, if not all 7 frameworks present in their models. The next phase of research will focus on collecting more data to refine the frameworks and see what new patterns emerge.
Why is it crucial for designers to engage with models of impact — business models that can cultivate social impact?
I find it extremely helpful to have resources with relevant business model examples that I can gather and study as I design a product or system. We know one of the many skills of designers is developing valuable insights from the customer/user perspective and needs- this is just one part of the puzzle that needs to be developed in order to get a viable value proposition. Additionally, the Business Model Canvas outline is a valuable tool for designers to incorporate throughout their process early on (in my opinion, it should never be an afterthought!). What has led me to care so much about researching impact models, and why I find Matthew’s work to be extremely timely, is the need for good examples that are accessible, relevant and easy to understand. Designing business models for social impact projects (or any project) should be weaved in to the iterative and fast prototyping early stages of development, and refined along the way.
What is a social enterprise that is currently on your radar? Can you tell us about their model?
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kenyan-based social enterprise, M-KOPA Solar, a social venture revolutionizing asset financing in emerging markets by providing “pay-as-you-go” energy for off-grid customers. Since 2012, they have connected more than 200,000 homes in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to solar power, and currently adding over 500 new homes each day. M-KOPA’s model for success and scale is due in part to:
- Low-cost affordable solution for customers via GSM sensor + mobile payment platform;
- Connected design system via cloud gathering real time usage, payment and performance data to better serve their customers; and
- Local strategy employing over 650 full time staff across East Africa and selling through a network of 1,000 direct sales agents.
They are a very exciting company to keep an eye on as they expand their product offering and global reach.
What is your favorite model listed on the Models of Impact map, and why?
I really like the Kiva crowdsourced microloans for entrepreneurs in developing countries. The model is simple with four main players: the borrower/entrepreneur who benefits from the micro loan; on the ground field partners who endorse the entrepreneurs and provide support during their loan; Kiva.org who provides the platform to bring stakeholders together for this unique opportunity; and the global community of Kiva lenders who want to support entrepreneurs and be a part of social impact.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently co-founder and CEO of Calientamigos: a for-profit social venture focused on portable shower system that heat and pressurizes water for families in developing countries living without access to hot running water. We are currently participating in the 2015 Village Capital Water Accelerator Program, and excited to partner with Autodesk’s Clean Tech Partnership Program for next generation prototype development.
