This paper presents a research and design experienced by a Latin American consultancy across Mexico, Brazil and India. This work aimed to, committed by an US electronics company, define a set of principles to design a new educational device for emerging countries. We framed the human-centred and collaborative design approach used during the experience, within a broader disciplinary tendency that gives a central position to socio-cultural aspects. Then we argue that design consultancies can evolve their role paying attention to these aspects, becoming crucial hubs to develop global projects in a connected world. Through these hubs, foreign corporations could understand and enter in local markets.