Design for the Other 90% and similar ideas of Design for Extreme Affordability, etc encourage designers to care about some of the poorest people in the world, which is what this world needs. However, caring is just the first step.

These ideas also give designers a mindset that looks down on the people they are trying to help and propels a "holier-than thou" atmosphere. These mindsets often, but not always, contribute in producing nothing more than feel-good projects and products that no one desires to own.