Beyond Human-Centered Design: The Importance of Non-Human Actors
How the Actor-Network Theory Helps You See the Big Picture
Have you ever stopped to consider the impact of technology on your user experience with digital products? As a UX researcher, I know that it’s not just about human users but also the non-human actors that shape our interactions with technology. This is where the Actor-network theory (ANT) by Bruno Latour comes into play. Although we are usually focusing on human-centred design, it is essential to consider non-human actors to gain a more holistic view of the digital landscape. In this article, we’ll explore how ANT can provide a unique perspective on research and design, emphasising the importance of recognising that both human and non-human actors play a role in shaping our world.
By taking into account the various objects and technologies that users interact with, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of how they work together to create the overall user experience. We’ll also discuss how ANT can help us to avoid “black boxing” and take a more critical approach to technology, ultimately designing digital products that are more responsive to user needs.
“The actor-network theory is an attempt to understand the social and technological forces that shape our world by focusing on the relationships between humans and non-humans.”
— Bruno Latour
At its core, ANT emphasises the importance of recognising that both human and non-human actors play a role in shaping our world. This means that when conducting research, we must consider not only the human users but also the technology and other objects they interact with. This approach allows us to better understand how these various actors interact with one another and how they collectively shape the user experience.
One of the critical points that ANT brings is the idea that objects have agency. As Latour notes, “We have never been modern because we have never been just human.” In other words, objects are not simply passive tools that we use to accomplish tasks. Instead, they are active participants in the network of interactions that shape our experiences.
This perspective can be incredibly valuable when working on digital products. For example, let’s say we are conducting research on a new mobile app that is designed to help people track their fitness goals. If we only focus on the human users, we may miss important insights into how the technology itself is shaping their experience. By taking into account the various objects and technologies that the users are interacting with (such as fitness trackers or smartwatches), we can gain a more nuanced understanding of how these various actors work together to create the overall user experience.
“ANT provides a unique perspective on how to approach research and design in a world where technology and humans are intricately intertwined.”
— Bruno Latour
Another critical aspect of ANT is the idea of “black boxing.” This refers to the tendency to view particular objects or technologies as a “black box,” where we accept their functionality without questioning how they work. As Latour notes, “We have never been modern because we have always been too fascinated by what we’ve been told is impossible to understand.” In other words, we often take technology for granted without truly understanding how it works or how it shapes our experiences.
By using ANT, we can avoid this tendency and take a more critical approach to technology. This can help us to identify potential problems or limitations with a digital product that we may have otherwise overlooked. For example, if we are working on a mobile app that relies heavily on GPS technology, we may want to consider how the accuracy of the GPS signal could impact the user’s experience. By acknowledging the GPS technology as an active participant in the network of interactions, we can better understand how it may impact the overall user experience.
The Actor-network theory is like a secret weapon for UX researchers and digital product developers. Here are my five reasons why:
- ANT reminds us to take into account the impact of technology, devices, and objects on our experiences. Imagine designing a website without considering the role of web browsers or other technologies — it’s like trying to make a sandwich without the bread!
- ANT helps us to understand the relationship between humans and technology in a more nuanced way. It’s not just a matter of using a tool to get a job done — technology is an active participant in shaping our experiences. Think of GPS technology in a mobile app — it’s like having a personal assistant who always knows where you are.
- ANT helps us to avoid taking technology for granted. It’s easy to forget that there’s a whole world of algorithms and systems working behind the scenes when we use digital products. ANT encourages us to take a critical approach and consider the impact of technology on the user experience.
- ANT encourages us to see the world as a network of relationships between humans and non-humans. It’s like viewing the digital world as a giant puzzle, with each piece contributing to the overall picture. When designing an e-commerce website, for example, we need to consider the role of payment gateways and shipping providers in shaping the user experience.
- ANT gives us a more holistic view of the digital landscape. By considering the various actors contributing to the user experience, we can design products more responsive to user needs. Imagine designing a mobile app that uses biometric authentication without considering the impact of regulations and laws — it’s like driving blindfolded!
The Actor-network theory by Bruno Latour provides an essential perspective for UX researchers working on digital products. By recognising the importance of both human and non-human actors in shaping the user experience, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of how technology impacts our lives. Using this approach, we can develop digital products that are more responsive to users' needs and provide a more seamless user experience.
As Latour notes, “The objective of the actor-network theory is to create a material-semiotic method that does justice to the heterogeneity and hybridity of the world.” In the ever-changing world of technology, this approach is more important than ever.
Ready to design digital products that truly cater to your users’ needs? As a UX researcher with expertise in social anthropology, I can help you gain a more nuanced understanding of how technology and other objects shape your users’ experiences. Don’t settle for a one-dimensional approach to research and design.
Let’s work together to uncover the complex network of relationships between humans and non-humans and create digital products that truly click with your users. Get in touch with me today to learn more!
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