Haat
Haat (market in Hindi) is a workspace design solution for vendors selling their goods in the open markets across India. It is primarily aimed at vegetable vendors in Sabzi Mandis (vegetable markets). We undertook this project as a way of understanding their problems and develop a solution to enhance the interaction between vendors and their customers.
Issuer
IIITDM
Team
Aditya Shankar, Afsal Ansari, Yallaling Naik
Deliverables
User Research, spatial interaction, workspace design
Roles
Researcher, interaction designer
Brief
The brief was to redesign the work space of an Sabzi Mandi (open market) to maximise the comfort and convenience for the vendor as well as the customer
Process
The research was done in 4 Indian cities - Nagpur, Jabalpur, Kolkata and Hyderabad. This gave us better insights and helped us understand the problems people face in different cities.
1
Our research spanned four Indian cities—Nagpur, Jabalpur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad—using surveys, interviews, and shadowing to identify pain points in local Sabzi Mandis and uncover commonalities and differences across these markets.
2
We analyzed a vendor’s daily routine through persona analysis, focusing on their interactions with customers to better understand their challenges and needs.
3
Using the insights gathered and Indian anthropometric data, we developed a workspace design tailored to address the identified issues and improve overall functionality.
Research Insights
The research revealed several key insights about the vendors and their challenges. There is no standardization of stalls, with vendors varying widely in age and gender. Many use carts or sit directly on the ground, often facing difficulties with storing fresh goods. Service becomes challenging during crowded periods, and poor posture frequently leads to musculoskeletal pains and disorders. Protection from weather elements varies significantly, and sanitation remains a major issue across the board.
Solution
Our solution for the vendors of open market is a workstation - Haat.
It is designed keeping the convenience of the vendor as well as the customer. The station ha been rounded to facilitate a smooth interaction between them. Various issues like storage were also addressed. The workstation is designed to minimise musculoskeletal disorders among the vendors.
It is designed keeping the convenience of the vendor as well as the customer. The station ha been rounded to facilitate a smooth interaction between them. Various issues like storage were also addressed. The workstation is designed to minimise musculoskeletal disorders among the vendors.
Features
• The main table is curved giving it a softer, more approachable feel.
• Optimisation of space based on primary, secondary and tertiary tasks and work zones.
• The measurements are based on Indian context. We took into account Indian anthropometric data to optimise the measurements of the workspace.
• Extra space beneath the platform has been converted into a storage space for things like vegetables, baskets, money etc.
• Storage space provided behind each unit in the form of a large container which can be opened from the front, can be modified to house refrigeration units.
• Optimisation of space based on primary, secondary and tertiary tasks and work zones.
• The measurements are based on Indian context. We took into account Indian anthropometric data to optimise the measurements of the workspace.
• Extra space beneath the platform has been converted into a storage space for things like vegetables, baskets, money etc.
• Storage space provided behind each unit in the form of a large container which can be opened from the front, can be modified to house refrigeration units.
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