Design has established itself as a central element in societies by helping countless communities build infrastructure, invent new ways to improve living conditions, and create desirable designs for consumption, thereby improving the economy. While this is good, most 21st century designers use their skills and designs for those who can afford it; designing for what is in fact the minority, 10% of the world's population. Why development aid and planning for development are essential to improve the living standards of those living in developing countries, but also to bridge the gap between rich and poor. Ilse Oosterlaken (2009, p.100) identifies most development projects as using a “participatory” process with a limited, user-centered approach; and instead suggests a more universal design approach, which she calls “capability-sensitive design.” This essay will outline projects that have contributed to development design through a capability-sensitive design approach, considering sustainable design that not only improves the environment, community health and social well-being, but also the economic position of the country. By evaluating each example's potential for real, sufficient, diverse, and lasting value for target users, we can determine the efficiency of each project. Problems of development aid and design for development are what most designers and environmental and social activists strive to solve on a daily basis. Second Human, natural, social and economic capital determines the wealth of a country. To ensure this human development and the achievement of human potential relies on economic capabilities that are both socially and environmentally sustainable for current and future stability...... middle of paper ......r Humanity [Audio podcast ]. Retrieved from: http://www.treehugger.com/treehugger-radio/emily-pilloton-discusses-the-hippo-roller-and-other-designs-for-humanity-part-one.htmlUnicef. (2000). Poverty reduction starts with children.Unicef. (2012). Progress in Drinking Water and Sanitation: 2012 Update. New York: UNICEF Official Site.Vestergaard. http://www.vestergaard.com/Vestergaard. (2013). Straw of life. Retrieved from: http://www.vestergaard.com/index.php/lifestraw-personalWalker, A. (n.d.). COMPROMISES IN BALANCE: THE EVOLUTION OF THE HIPPO ROLLER. Retrieved from: http://www.fastcompany.com/1309505/balancing-tradeoffs-evolution-hippo-roller Whywater. (2014). Retrieved from: https://www.charitywater.org/whywater/Wolman, D. (2010). Do you want to help developing countries? Sell ​​them good things, cheaply. Retrieved from: http://www.wired.com/2010/09/st_essay_pennies/