Human-centered design (HCD) is a design approach that focuses on understanding and addressing the needs, wants, and values of the end users. It is a user-centric approach that puts the needs of the people at the center of the design process. When it comes to informal markets, HCD is particularly important as it helps to ensure that products and services are tailored to the specific needs of the target population.

Informal markets are often characterized by a lack of formal structures, regulations, and oversight. They are often found in developing countries and serve a population that is typically low-income and lacks access to formal markets. Informal markets are often informal, unregulated, and unorganized, and they are usually not served by traditional businesses.
When designing for informal markets, it is important to keep in mind that the target population may have limited access to resources and may have different needs than those in formal markets. For example, they may have limited access to electricity or running water, or they may have limited literacy levels.

HCD in informal markets involves understanding the specific needs and wants of the target population, and then designing products and services that meet those needs. This process typically involves conducting research to understand the target population, prototyping and testing designs, and then iterating on those designs based on feedback from the target population.

One example of HCD in informal markets is the design of a low-cost water filtration system for rural communities in developing countries. The design team would conduct research to understand the specific needs of the target population, such as the availability of clean water, and the types of water filtration systems currently in use. They would then design a prototype water filtration system that is affordable and easy to use, and test it with the target population to get feedback. Based on the feedback, they would iterate on the design and continue testing until they have a final product that meets the needs of the target population.

Another example is the design of mobile money platforms for areas with low banking penetration. This would involve researching the habits and needs of the target population, and then designing a mobile money platform that is easy to use and accessible to those who lack access to traditional banking services. This would be done through research, prototyping, and testing, with feedback from the target population used to iterate and improve the design.

In conclusion, HCD is a crucial approach when designing for informal markets. It helps to ensure that products and services are tailored to the specific needs of the target population, and it helps to create solutions that are affordable, accessible, and easy to use for those who lack access to formal markets. It is a user-centric approach that puts the needs of the people at the center of the design process.