HCT Design for the Developing world: Challenges Ahead

presentation video

Riad Saba. University of Balamand, Tripoli, Lebanon

Abstract
Human Centered Technologies designed for developed countries often assume certain conditions that are not readily available in the developing world. This fact is illustrated by exposing some of the problems faced in the course of conducting PhD research carried with the University of Nottingham in the UK while being based in the University of Balamand in the north of the Middle Eastern country of Lebanon.

position paper pdf

Found in Translation: Experiences from the Fair Tracing Project

presentation video

Dorothea Kleine. Department of Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK

Abstract
This position paper recounts some of the experiences and lessons learned from working as an interdisciplinary team on the EPSRC Fair Tracing Project. The benefits and challenges of working with different stakeholders and responding to diverse audiences are also discussed.
Keywords: interdisciplinarity, participation, multiple stakeholders, diverse audiences, politics, technology

position paper pdf

The Self-initiative use of IM in China for Learning

presentation video

Hui Deng & Yinjuan Shao. Learning Science Research Institute, University of Nottingham, UK & South West University,China

Abstract
In this study, we examined how undergraduates use QQ, the most popular IM software in China, and their behaviors related to academic purpose by online interviews. We found QQ is not only used as social software but also for learning purpose spontaneously. Learners initiate various learning through QQ without any guidance of tutors and teachers and all these learning activities happened mostly in informal settings.

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We come and go, what happens after the projects end?

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Dorothy Rachovides. Digital World Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

Abstract
This paper examines the problem that arises with projects like StoryBank who work closely with a community and at the end of the funding have to leave the site.
Keywords: Digital divide, ICT4D.Trust
The StoryBank project is one of four ICT-for-development research projects funded by UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council in the UK.

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Designing 3ERP to meet use and users

presentation video

- methods to handle cultural diversity and collaborative networking in SMEs

Janni Nielsen & Lone Dirckinck-Holmfeld. Copenhagen Business School, CAICT/HCI, Denmark

Abstract
The purpose is to describe a project the aim of which is to develop and validate the scientific methodological foundation for design of user friendly and usable, flexible and configurable global Enterprise Resource Planning system for Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) which are adoptable to cultural diversity and support the collaborative networking tasks embedded in 3gERP. Focus is on Human Centered Design methods and tools which must be developed to handle cultural diversity.

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Towards Participatory Design for M2O

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Yishay Mor & Niall Winters. London Knowledge Lab, University of London , UK

Abstract
M2O (read: em two oh) stands for mobile access to participatory media. Participatory media (also known as ‘social software’) have a great empowering potential, in knowledge sharing, community organization and active citizenship. However, they are not accessible to those who do not have a networked computer. Furthermore, they tend to loose the local dimension of knowledge and social interaction. Following some pilot studies conducted at the London Knowledge Lab, we are seeking ways to engage in a field study of participatory design of M2O systems in a developing region.

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Comparison of Participative Design Experience in UK

presentation video

Roger Tucker, Outside Echo Ltd, UK; Pernilla Näsfors, Uppsala University, Sweden; Mucemi Gakuru, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction
Participative design bridges the intellectual gap between the designer and end users to ensure that the product really does meet the needs of the end users. For technology, the gap can be very large even between users and designers belonging to the same culture and with similar education and life experience. When designing technology for the developing world, there may be so little commonality that it is almost impossible to judge what will work– even if the fundamentals of needs-gap, ease-of-
use and cost are well thought through.

This paper reflects on the differences between two participative design experiences, one in the UK and one in Kenya. The UK experience is of the first author designing a PC notetaking application to help dyslexic students with lectures. The Kenyan experience is of the three authors jointly designing an agricultural information voice portal for Kenyan farmers and smallholders.

position paper pdf

Fluid technology design for development

presentation video

Niall Winters & Josh Underwood. London Knowledge Lab, Institute of Education, University of London , UK

Abstract
Designing learning technologies for developmental contexts is a difficult problem. Based on an analysis of the development of the Zimbabwe Bush Pump [1], in this paper we apply the concept of ‘fluidity’ to technology design. The underlying principles are detailed and their relationship to issues in human computer interaction discussed.

position paper pdf