{"id":223765,"date":"2024-10-15T19:37:25","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T17:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fundacionexe.org.co\/toolkit-guided-material-design\/"},"modified":"2025-02-03T20:22:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T19:22:44","slug":"toolkit-guided-material-design","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fundacionexe.org.co\/en\/toolkit-guided-material-design\/","title":{"rendered":"ToolKit guided material – Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

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DESIGN <\/span><\/span> <\/h4><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” full_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” pix_over_visibility=”” responsive_css=”{“pix_res_sm_pt“:“30“,“pix_res_sm_pb“:“30“,“pix_res_md_pt“:“60“,“pix_res_md_pb“:“60“}” css=”.vc_custom_1728951738488{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #f8f9fa !important;}”][vc_row content_placement=”middle” pix_particles_check=””][vc_column width=”2\/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1592348346180{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”]

The design stage is the second stage of the process. It involves a thorough analysis of the problem to define its objectives, how these will be addressed, and the possible solution alternatives.<\/p>\n

The analysis of the problem involves reviewing feasibility and viability studies, identifying impacts and the technical evaluation. This allows the strategic organization of ideas, materials, and processes to achieve the objectives, prevent early-stage problems, and provide parameters to optimize crucial aspects of the project.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

<\/svg>Download Stage 2 full explanation here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>
<\/svg>Download the Let\u2019s All Learn to Read Case Stage 2 here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” pix_over_visibility=”” css=”.vc_custom_1729010387596{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-color: #f8f9fa !important;}”][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” pix_particles_check=”” css=”.vc_custom_1728931384425{background-color: #f8f9fa !important;}”][vc_column]
Definition of objectives and scope<\/span><\/a><\/div>
Alternative analysis<\/span><\/a><\/div>
Theory of Change<\/span><\/a><\/div>
Logical Framework Matrix<\/span><\/a><\/div>
Technical study of the project<\/span><\/a><\/div>
Elements for evaluation<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Definition of objectives and scope<\/h5><\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1729010727259{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n
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Here, we will examine some key aspects to consider when formulating a program\u2019s general and specific objectives and the definition and application of the tool called \u201cGoal-Means Tree\u201d.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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Objectives definition<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1729010791425{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n
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The objectives represent the programs\u2019 expected results and can be general or specific.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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The general objective:<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Arises<\/div>
Arises from the identification of the problem in the diagnostic stage.<\/h6>
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\"Establishes<\/div>
Establishes a working hypothesis that guides the project.<\/h6>
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\"Is<\/div>
Is formulated in terms of a positive action that defines specific purposes and provides possible solution alternatives.<\/h6>
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\"Must<\/div>
Must be realistic, effective, coherent, and quantifiable.<\/h6>
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A general objective should NOT include:<\/h6>
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<\/g><\/svg><\/div>The+solution+alternatives.<\/span><\/div>
<\/g><\/svg><\/div>The+ends+or+effects+of+the+project.<\/span><\/div>
<\/g><\/svg><\/div>The+goals+of+the+project.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1729017142339{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n
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On the other hand, specific objectives:<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Focus<\/div>
Focus on concrete solutions that the project must achieve in a given time frame.<\/h6>
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\"Arise<\/div>
Arise from a desirable situation.<\/h6>
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Specific objectives must be:<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]Concrete<\/span><\/span>Profiled<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]Measurable<\/span><\/span>Realistic<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]

The Goal-Means Tree<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1729020522541{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n
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It is a tool that graphically represents the relationships between goals and means around the identified problem. In this tree, all the causes of the problem tree (Diagnostic Stage) are transformed into means to achieve the objectives, while the effects become goals. Similarly, the core problem becomes the core objective or purpose of the project.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Image<\/div><\/div>
<\/svg>Download the Goal-Means Tree template here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Alternative analysis<\/h4><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n
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Once the core problem and the project’s objective have been recognized, feasible and pertinent alternative solutions must be identified, which requires to1<\/a>: <\/sup><\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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Evaluate their impact on the problem\u2019s solution and prioritize those with the greatest presumed impact.<\/h6>
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Evaluate the degree of dependence between the alternatives.<\/h6>
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Verify the feasibility of the alternatives, including physical, technical, budgetary, institutional, and cultural feasibility, among others.<\/h6>
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It is important to carry out an exhaustive characterization of each proposed alternative (including costs and benefits) to compare them and begin their respective analysis. Keep in mind that this process is iterative and requires constant feedback.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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Criteria for alternative analysis<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1729036680934{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n
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To analyze the solution alternatives, criteria must be established to identify their feasibility and relevance. The criteria will depend on the nature of the project or the problematic situation to be addressed, for example:<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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Efficiency<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Effectiveness<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Budget\/costs<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Implementation feasibility<\/span><\/span><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]
Targeting Level<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Environmental impact<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Social impact<\/span><\/span><\/div>
Political impact<\/span><\/span><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1729037012517{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n
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Once the criteria are defined, they are used to elaborate an alternative selection matrix. This scheme allows a quantitative weighting of the alternatives according to the established criteria.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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Theory of Change<\/h4><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n
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The Theory of Change is a representation of how the program or intervention leads to the desired results2<\/sup><\/a> and adds value throughout the transformation process. It is a structured and logical approach that connects the program components, namely inputs, activities, outputs, intermediate results, and final results. Depending on the situation, the Theory of Change can be adapted to align with the specific goals of the program. For example, primary and secondary activities can be included as appropriate.<\/h6>\n

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By establishing causal relationships between the \u2018hows\u2019 and \u2018whys\u2019, and by exposing these connections, the Theory of Change facilitates an understanding of how the intended outcomes are expected to be achieved.<\/h6>\n

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According to the World Bank3<\/sup><\/a>, a properly formulated Theory of Change should:<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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The causes of the \u201ccore problem\u201d are not always identified in the diagnosis; it is necessary to rely on the literature to support the relationships, i.e., to conduct a state-of-the-art study.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Describe<\/div>
Describe the program accurately with the model<\/h6>
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\"Ensure<\/div>
Ensure that its relationships are feasible and consistent<\/h6>
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\"Avoid<\/div>
Avoid gaps in the logical chain of events<\/h6>
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\"Ensure<\/div>
Ensure that its elements are sufficient and necessary<\/h6>
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\"Produce<\/div>
Produce the achievement of the stated goals in a meaningful and realistic way<\/h6>
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\"Have<\/div>
Have all its elements well-defined<\/h6>
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<\/svg>Download the Theory of Change template here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>

Logical Framework Matrix<\/h4><\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1729085713426{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n
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The Logical Framework Matrix (LFM) summarizes the project’s goal, purpose, components, and activities (rows of the matrix) by describing its indicators, means of verification, and assumptions (columns of the matrix). Accordingly, it presents a summary of the project\u2019s most important aspects, allowing us to assess the scope of the objectives and to define the external factors that may influence its success.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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The rows of the Logical Framework Matrix correspond to:<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/g><\/svg><\/div>General+goal\/objective<\/span><\/div>
<\/g><\/svg><\/div>Specific+purpose\/objective<\/span><\/div>
<\/g><\/svg><\/div>Components\/results<\/span><\/div>
<\/g><\/svg><\/div>Activities<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ css=”” accent_color=”#14354e”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″]
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The columns of the Logical Framework Matrix correspond to:<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/g><\/svg><\/div>Indicators<\/span><\/div>
<\/g><\/svg><\/div>Means+of+verification<\/span><\/div>
<\/g><\/svg><\/div>Assumptions<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1590182330177{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]
<\/svg>Download the LFM template here<\/span><\/a><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]
<\/svg>Download a guide to design indicators here<\/span><\/a><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]
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Technical study of the project<\/h4><\/div>[vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n
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The technical study of the project is the last component of the design stage, which analyzes aspects such as the baseline situation, size, location, technology, community participation, environment, and internal and external factors that may affect the program\u2019s success.<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n

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01.<\/span><\/div>
Optimized baseline<\/h6>
Situation optimization seeks to determine whether the object of study can be optimized without implementing a project.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
02.<\/span><\/div>
Size<\/h6>
The effective production capacity and its level of utilization during the life of the project.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
03.<\/span><\/div>
Location<\/h6>
This involves selecting the most convenient location for the project compared to other possible alternatives, with the highest benefit for the users and the community and the lowest social cost.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
04.<\/span><\/div>
Technology<\/h6>
Technology should be understood as the way of doing things, i.e., the systematic set of knowledge, methods, techniques, instruments, and activities to transform inputs into the desired product. Technology is the component of the project related to the design, installation, start-up, and operation of the production system.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
05.<\/span><\/div>
Community involvement<\/h6>
It is important to actively involve the community in the alternative analysis process: when a problem is examined with the community involved, the chances of finding a solution increase. This is because the communities can identify areas for improvement and their members are encouraged to innovate and be creative in the design of the solution. It is important to verify that the different groups are adequately represented.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
06.<\/span><\/div>
Environment<\/h6>
Consideration should be given to sustainability, applicable regulations, and the relationship between project alternatives and environmental conditions and their effects.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
07.<\/span><\/div>
Internal and external factors<\/h6>
Internal and external factors that may affect the success of the program should also be considered:<\/p>\n