Open Agricultural Technologies: A Design Perspective from Argentina

Abstract

For decades, industrial design has oscillated between two opposing approaches: the closure of technologies and the pursuit of open, collaborative processes. This tension is particularly evident in the development of agricultural machinery, where the incorporation of advanced technologies is often accompanied by restrictions that hinder users’ ability to modify, repair, and appropriate them. In response, various initiatives aim to regain control over technologies by promoting open alternatives. However, while openness has been widely explored in the digital realm, its application in the design of physical products remains an under-researched area.

This study examines how openness is expressed and what it entails in the design of technologies, addressing key dimensions such as technical aspects, access and distribution, intellectual property, and the documentation and dissemination of knowledge. Based on the analysis of two case studies from Argentine agriculture—a small-scale milk pasteurizer and packaging for agroecological horticultural products—the paper explores how openness can foster collaboration among diverse actors and improve the acceptance of the technologies developed.
In the discussion and conclusions, the paper argues that these dimensions of openness are essential for understanding open design, not only as an effective strategy for addressing local challenges, but also for tackling issues that arise during the various stages of the participatory process. Given its dynamic nature, openness requires ongoing analysis and adaptation. In this context, open design emerges as a promising path to address social, productive, and environmental challenges, while promoting sustainability and social inclusion.