Current Issue
Editor's Commentary - 23 July 2008
by Christina Li
Ethnography as a research method has become popular used in user experience design. In this issue, we try to get together articles about the origin of ethnography, how it can be used as a technique to inspire new product design, as well as the pros and cons of it.
The Role of Ethnography in the Organizational Implementation of IT - 2 August 2008
by Jesper Simonsen and Morten Hertzum in Case-Studies
Ethnographic research in design often focus on the initial analysis of existing work practices in order to inform the subsequent design and implementation of new information technologies (IT). However, ethnography may also prove efficient in identifying, analyzing, and evaluating changes to work practices that emerge from using an IT system. In this article we investigate how nurses’ work was affected by the introduction of a large, shared Electronic Health Record (EHR) display in two highly collaborative work situations: the nursing handover, and the interdisciplinary team conference at which all clinicians on shift are present. The use of a display led to unanticipated and interesting new ways of collaborating among the nurses and between nurses and physicians. Evaluations of the initial use of new IT can establish a potentially important role for ethnography within iterative approaches to design as well as within the organizational implementation of IT.
Involving Local Undergraduates in Fieldwork - 31 July 2008
by Matthew Kam in Case-Studies
Since then I have found that even though it is helpful to have highly motivated Berkeley undergraduates accompany me to India, there are tremendous benefits to involving local undergraduates from India in my field studies. Familiarity with the local languages, cultures, and systems is an enormous advantage when undertaking field research.
Of Mice and iPods, or The Death of the Designer - 22 July 2008
by Mark Blythe in Opinion
Computing technologies are becoming so familiar it can feel as if they have always been here. It is strange to think that the mouse, for instance, was invented by Doug Englebart in the seventies. He must encounter a degree of incredulity when he mentions this to people. “You invented the mouse? Really? How nice. Did you also invent the pen?”
Culture in the Further Development of Universal Design - 15 July 2008
by Scott Rains in Opinion
By now most readers of Design for All India have a healthy grasp of Universal Design. Many, perhaps most, have become highly competent in its application as is evident from the articles appearing in past volumes and today. Beyond technical mastery of the Seven Principles, knowledge of best-of-breed solutions, and familiarity with allied concepts such as Visitability, Adaptive Technology, or anthropometrics there is a cultural component to this design approach that is unquantifiably – but undeniably – transforming Universal Design. By systematically and thoroughly examining this cultural component in the coming decade we will discover the true nature of Universal Design to be social sustainability.
Adopting the Universal Design Approach Instead of the Stigma That Creates Poorly Accessible Enviroments - 3 July 2008
by Marcelo Guimaraes in Opinion
Universal Design can be thought of as a contemporary philosophical movement that addresses trends in the growth of the aging population and diversification of user abilities around the world. Stakeholders rely on designers, planners and managers as decision makers leading the drive to create non-segregated environments that help users and eliminate the stigma of disability. However, it seems necessary that everyone involved in the design process becomes aware and willing to bring about change. Therefore, the preparation of design students as well as users to understand the scope of Universal Design must be based on strategies that counteract the continuation of the stigma of disability in the mindset of designers and others who can bring about the changes required to create a more inclusive world.
Universal Design – The Time is Now - 29 June 2008
by Beth Tauke in Opinion
The time for universal design is now because, as the Designing for the 21st Century III Conference website states “This is an extraordinary moment. We are more diverse now in ability and age than ever before. It is time for design to catch up. There is an urgent need to exchange ideas about the design of places, things, information, policies and programs that demonstrate the power of design to shape a 21st century world that works for all of us”
Design for people with disabilities in Japan - 28 May 2008
by Satoshi Kose in Case-Studies
Design for people with disabilities sometimes works fine. However, without involving everyone, i.e., unless it will benefit everyone in the society, such design will remain as a kind of orphan technology and will eventually fail to be applied widely. The direction of design therefore should be universal/inclusive.
Is Universal Design Really Universal? - 23 May 2008
by John Salmen in Opinion
Today, as I write this article, my Google search found “about 13,200,000” references. There is no denying that the concept of Universal Design has gained widespread use. But what does it really mean?
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