TY - JOUR
T1 - Configuring the user as everybody
T2 - gender and design cultures in information and communication technologies
AU - Oudshoorn, Nelly E.J.
AU - Rommes, E.
AU - Stienstra, M.
N1 - Imported from DIES
PY - 2003
Y1 - 2003
N2 - Based on two case studies of the design of electronic communication networks developed in the public and private sector, this article explores the barriers within current design cultures to account for the needs and diversity of users. Whereas the constraints on user-centered design are usually described in macrosociological terms, in which the user–technology relation is merely understood as a process of the inclusion or exclusion of users in design, the authors suggest that it is important to adopt a semiotic approach. Moreover, they argue that we need to take into account the gender identity of designers to understand how design practices in ICT prioritize male users. The article shows how configuring the user as “everybody” and the use of the “I-methodology” are important constraints in the development of technologies that aim to reach users in all their diversity.
AB - Based on two case studies of the design of electronic communication networks developed in the public and private sector, this article explores the barriers within current design cultures to account for the needs and diversity of users. Whereas the constraints on user-centered design are usually described in macrosociological terms, in which the user–technology relation is merely understood as a process of the inclusion or exclusion of users in design, the authors suggest that it is important to adopt a semiotic approach. Moreover, they argue that we need to take into account the gender identity of designers to understand how design practices in ICT prioritize male users. The article shows how configuring the user as “everybody” and the use of the “I-methodology” are important constraints in the development of technologies that aim to reach users in all their diversity.
U2 - 10.1177/0162243903259190
DO - 10.1177/0162243903259190
M3 - Article
SN - 0162-2439
VL - 29
SP - 30
EP - 63
JO - Science, technology & human values
JF - Science, technology & human values
IS - 1
ER -
