Evaluate access alongside effectiveness

When assessing a technology opportunity, examine underserved users’ costs, language, setting and actual outcomes, separating social need from a commercial source of payment.

Bill GatesAnalytical perspectiveBG-P04

The method

Evaluate access alongside effectiveness

When assessing a technology opportunity, examine underserved users’ costs, language, setting and actual outcomes, separating social need from a commercial source of payment.

When to use it

Using AI to make professional services more accessible or serve people with limited resources.

Ask yourself

Once the technology is cheaper, which language, device or local barriers still prevent use?
Who pays, who benefits and who bears the ongoing cost?

Put it into action

Run a small trial under the target population’s conditions, recording effectiveness and access costs separately.
Specify user payments, institutional purchasing or funding paths; do not assume markets will automatically provide coverage.

Keep these limits in mind

Large needs do not imply an ability to pay; a social mission is not evidence of commercial revenue.
High-impact areas such as education and healthcare require independent evidence of effectiveness and professional validation, not just demonstrations.

An analytical method adapted from the public skill package, not a reply or endorsement by the person represented.
View the public method source ↗