SIFT: Social Impact from Technology

Methodology for the formulation and deployment of Information Technology Strategies that generate an impact on Human Development and close the gap between stakeholders (beneficiaries), developers and management. Built on the lessons learned through 9 years of developing IT strategies, projects, social networks and virtual environments, from best practices to unexpected complications.

SIFT seeks to close the existing gap between stakeholders, developers and program management by providing stakeholders with tools and skills to contribute to or lead the process of developing IT Strategies and by providing consultants and technicians a basic insight into Human Development and a methodology to generate relevant social impact from their work. This process generates a common language for better communication with program management.

Stakeholders, developers and project management are all guided through a clearly identifiable, progressive and incremental process to building together their own strategies and solutions through their active and equal participation:

• initial definition of the issues to be addressed.

• observation of the eco-system and identification of stakeholders and their existing and potential relationships.
• identification of environment, resources and actions.
• model building.
• roadmap definition and conventional strategic planning with a twist.
• definition and selection of technologies.
• prototype building, pilot testing, and feedback collectio
• matching social expectations with technological development and social impact with technological deliverance.
• engagement and participation strategies.
• shared vision and room for diversity and creativity.