A review of perspectives and challenges for international development in information and communication technologies

We provide an overview of the field of information and communication technologies for development (ICTD). This field is concerned with how information and communication technologies can be used to support poor and marginalized people in social, political and economic spheres. Through referring to seminal authors in ICT4D and its sub-fields, human–computer interaction for development (HCI4D) and participatory design for development (PD4D), we articulate the main themes, debates and challenges presented in this field. We conclude by arguing that communication challenges must be solved before technological ones: impact and success in ICT4D rely first and foremost on having a common and mutual understanding of needs, values and perspectives, which will determine whether and which technologies are needed.