Always Moving Always Sharing Somaliland

F-SCALE RATING
Studio D assigns a Friction (F-Scale) Rating wherever we run projects.
Every field study location comes with an inherent level of
friction that can radically alter the dynamics of the project.
Think of it as a tax on time and energy to deal with everyday
logistical issues that reduce productivity. The level of
friction increases in places where weather is unpredictable;
transport is infrequent or unreliable; where there are more
languages spoken than it is possible to have translators for
on the team; pollution is high; sickness is rife; where graft is
prevalent; and there are numerous factors outside the
team’s control.
Our research locations in Somaliland have a relatively low
level of friction given the level of infrastructural
investment. Friction includes: visas; communication tempo;
high variability on local skills for local crew; road
conditions; power; internet access; need to hire Special
Protection Units; being at the mercy of the weather; and in
safety issues in parts of the country.
In Somaliland’s favour: common languages in use; small city
size; OK traffic; a reasonable rule of law, given the locales
where we worked; and a welcoming and curious local
populace.
MONSOON MUMBAI 30%
KABUL 25%
RURAL SOMALILAND 22%
MUMBAI 20%
RIYADH 18%
HARGEYSA 15%
BERBERA 12%
LONDON 5%
TOKYO 2%
F-SCALE WEIGHTING
B&MG - SOMALILAND MOBILE MONEY STUDIO D RADIODURANS
MAY 2015 81