Seeing Through Their Eyes: The Road to Real Solutions

One of my first jobs afforded me the opportunity to travel around the country. I often joke with friends that if there is a part of Zambia I have not been to, then it has not been invented yet. As much as this comment is made in jest, it is not far from the truth. I recall my first ever trip to the North of Zambia, visiting Mporokoso and Kaputa. At the time, each journey was a huge cultural shock. The road networks and the accommodation for what it was worth, often left me dreading these trips. These journeys, however, were often filled with adventures that could compete with the escapades of the likes of Robinson Crusoe, which helped ease the discomfort of being away from home. I could tell hilarious road-trip tales for days, but we will leave those for another time.

Over time, I would learn to appreciate these trips and see each one as an opportunity to be schooled. As I look back now, there were so many valuable lessons to be learned from those moments spent on the road in every corner of the country. One of the best lessons that stood out for me was how the road really opened up my eyes to “the real world.” The travels helped me see and understand different perspectives. I realized how development is viewed differently through different eyes. I understood how often what I considered a basic need was actually a luxury in the eyes of many I interacted with in these areas.

These trips helped me to truly understand the concept of an end user. Often, we approach problems and solutions from the perspective of “how I view the problem.” However, this mindset can limit our ability to fully address the real needs of those we aim to serve. My experiences on these trips made it clear that the most effective solutions are those rooted in the lived experiences of the end user. It is easy to assume that what works in one context will work in another, but the reality is that each community has its own unique challenges, needs, and definitions of success.

Understanding the end user requires more than just listening to their words; it demands immersion into their world. It is about stepping into their shoes and seeing life from their vantage point. What seems like a simple fix from our perspective may not address the core issue as they experience it. It’s in these nuances that true innovation and meaningful impact occur.

In my current job, I often reflect on those early days on the road. They taught me the importance of humility in problem-solving. By recognizing that our perspective is just one of many, we open ourselves to more inclusive and sustainable solutions. The key is not just to provide answers but to ensure those answers align with the real-world challenges and aspirations of the people we aim to serve.

The journey to truly understanding problems from the end user's perspective is ongoing. It is a practice that demands continuous learning, empathy, and a commitment to seeing beyond our own views. It is about embracing the complexity of the human experience and using that understanding to drive change that genuinely improves lives. As professionals, challenging ourselves to go beyond the obvious and dig deeper into the realities of those we serve is what we should strive for. Only then can we create solutions that are not only effective but transformative.

Have a wonderful week ahead.