Yes, some researchers have used Design Thinking to understand the needs and the culture of communities before to offer any solution. Please, read this paper: http://www.ssireview.org/articles/entry/design_thinking_for_social_innovation/
Jucevičius, G. (2010). Culture vs. Cultures of Innovation: Conceptual Framework and Parameters for Assessment. Proceedings Of The International Conference On Intellectual Capital, Knowledge Management & Organizational Learning, 236-244.
Kumar, V. (2014). Understanding Cultural Differences in Innovation: A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Directions. Journal Of International Marketing, 22(3), 1-29.
Tödtling, F., Prud'homme van Reine, P., & Dörhöfer, S. (2011). Open Innovation and Regional Culture—Findings from Different Industrial and Regional Settings. European Planning Studies, 19(11), 1885-1907. doi:10.1080/09654313.2011.618688