May 8, 2012 @ 11:30, Room: 17AB
Chair: Christian Holz, University of Potsdam, Germany
Next Steps for Value Sensitive Design - Paper
Contribution & Benefit: An essay presenting four suggestions for next steps for the evolution of Value Sensitive Design. Addresses issues that we argue have inhibited the more widespread adoption and appropriation of VSD.
Abstract » Questions of human values often arise in HCI research and practice. Such questions can be difficult to address well, and a principled approach can clarify issues of both theory and practice. One such approach is Value Sensitive Design (VSD), an established theory and method for addressing issues of values in a systematic and principled fashion in the design of information technology. In this essay, we suggest however that the theory and at times the presentation of VSD overclaims in a number of key respects, with the result of inhibiting its more widespread adoption and appropriation. We address these issues by suggesting four topics for next steps in the evolution of VSD: (1) tempering VSD�s position on universal values; (2) contextualizing existing and future lists of values that are presented as heuristics for consideration; (3) strengthening the voice of the participants in publications describing VSD investigations; and (4) making clearer the voice of the researchers. We propose new or altered approaches for VSD that address these issues of theory, voice, and reportage.
ACMThe Relationship of Action Research to Human-Computer Interaction - ToCHI
Contribution & Benefit: Describes historical, theoretical, and pragmatic aspects of conducting Action Research and its application to HCI.
Abstract » Alongside the growing interest within HCI, and arguably computing more generally, in conducting research that has substantial societal benefits, there is a need for new ways to think about and to articulate the challenges of these engaged research projects as well as their results. Action Research (AR) is a class of methods and approaches for conducting democratic and collaborative research with community partners. AR has evolved over the last several decades and offers HCI researchers theoretical lenses, methodological approaches, and pragmatic guidance for conducting socially relevant, collaborative, and engaged research. In this article, I describe the historical context and origins of AR, the scientifically rigorous practice of conducting and evaluating AR projects, and the ways in which AR might meaningfully be applied to HCI research.
Being in the Thick of In-the-wild Studies: The Challenges and Insights of Researcher Participation - Paper
Contribution & Benefit: Applies a participant-observation methodology to two in-the-wild user studies. Shows how researcher participation can help build rapport, enhance contextual understanding, encourage empathy and stimulate reflexivity.
Abstract » We describe the insights and challenges offered by researcher participation in in-the-wild studies through the comparison of two prototype evaluations with varying levels of researcher participation. By reflecting on these studies we expose different facets of the researcher's role when interacting with participants in in-the-wild studies. We also demonstrate the value of researcher participation in contributing to the way a researcher understands participant responses: aiding rapport, promoting empathy and stimulating the researcher to reflect on their own assumptions.
ACMThe Envisioning Cards: A Toolkit for Catalyzing Humanistic and Technical Imaginations - Note
Contribution & Benefit: We introduce the Envisioning Cards - an innovative toolkit for scaffolding value sensitive design processes in research and design activities. Early reports on their use include ideation, co-design, and heuristic critique.
Abstract » We introduce the Envisioning Cards - a versatile toolkit for attending to human values during design processes - and discuss their early use. Drawing on almost twenty years of work in value sensitive design, the Envisioning Cards are built upon a set of four envisioning criteria: stakeholders, time, values, and pervasiveness. Each card contains on one side a title and an evocative image related to the card theme; on the flip side, the card shows the envisioning criterion, elaborates on the theme, and provides a focused design activity. Reports from the field demonstrate use in a range of research and design activities including ideation, co-design, heuristic critique, and more.
ACMDesigning an Improved HCI Laboratory: A Massive Synthesis of Likes & Wishes - Short Case Study
Contribution & Benefit: Case study describing a simple design exercise called “I like, I wish.” Findings from this exercise relevant to the design of more human-centered HCI research environments are discussed.
Abstract » We have performed a simple human-centered design exercise called “I like, I wish” with all of the graduate students and some faculty in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Over 300 likes and wishes were gathered and synthesized in an all-day session by a volunteer team of students. Here we report on preliminary findings from this exercise and its implications for the design of more human-centered HCI research environments.