D-Lab I: Development
MIT's D-Lab Development course examines how low-cost, sustainable technologies can improve quality of life for low-income households in developing countries. Lectures, case studies, and guest speakers cover both technical design and the practical challenges of implementing projects on the ground. Students form project teams that partner with local organizations in countries such as Ghana, Brazil, Honduras, and India, preparing cultural, social, political, and economic overviews plus basic language introductions ahead of an optional IAP site visit. Laboratory exercises give hands-on practice building and testing appropriate technology solutions. Materials are provided through MIT OpenCourseWare, including syllabus, lecture notes, and project guidelines, free to access with no certificate offered. The course suits students interested in engineering for development, international fieldwork logistics, and the practical tradeoffs of designing technology for resource-constrained settings rather than purely theoretical study.