HCI theory and my design toolkit

Theory is a knowledge framework that supports methodology. A major theme in HCI theory is the importance of recognizing and exploring the social, cultural, political, and physical circumstances influencing the design process, user groups, and the appropriation of technology. Identifying the parallel between contextual influences in the development of epistemology and methodology, and how subjects are socially situated is crucial to human-centered design, particularly in cross-cultural circumstances. This summer I will be working with a technology start-up in Nairobi, Kenya, and feel well equipped with my HCD ontology. However, until recently, I had not considered the importance of reflexivity in epistemology, as stressed by feminism philosophy in science. As I approach my summer internship, it is important to understand the history and origins of my design toolkit, explore culturally relevant alternatives, and establish ways to disclose it in my work.

Central to the Feminist HCI perspective is standpoint epistemology, which is concerned with the influence of social, cultural, and physical context in research. Within cross-cultural design experiences, a recognition of the history and cultural origin of methods is necessary. Previously I considered HCD an approach that employs methods that are effective in handling design in unfamiliar situations; I had never thought to consider the importance of recognizing the origins of my knowledge-gathering methods.

It is clear that HCI theory has its roots in western culture, and thus may have negative repercussions in application this summer. Because of my proximity to current HCD methods, I have not allowed myself to ‘take a step back’ and consider its position in history and across cultures.

In an attempt to realign my HCD mental model, I will explore design models, standards, and practices within Africa. This defamiliarization process will give me a valuable perspective on my beliefs and their relevance outside of western culture. I believe defamiliarization, paired with standpoint epistemology, is critical when evaluating HCI epistemology, as the practice of repositioning exposes our tendency toward subconscious self-referential design.

In answering how this materially affects my approach to design, I will use an adjacent lesson from Suchman’s article “Making Work Visible,” which argued for the importance of transparency in representation of work. Though not specifically addressing the importance of reflexivity, I believe Suchman’s approach is the most practical path to a material solution. I may not have the depth of knowledge to culturally adjust my approach, but I will always include information on which methods I choose, how I use them, and why I chose them in a particular circumstance. Suchman argued that it is okay (or even preferable) to maintain and expose personal beliefs when approaching design problems. Though I’m not sure to what extent my personal beliefs map to my design toolkit, I know that the lesson of reflexivity will allow for proper reflection, perspective, and growth beyond the comfortable familiarity of HCD.