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Values in the Design of Information Systems and Technology

One week top level intensive course + workshop 9.– 15.8.2010

The course consists of theoretical material and practical design work in student groups. The required pre-course literature and the lectures take the students through social commentary and key works in the philosophy and social study of technology. We address questions such as: Does technology make the world better, or worse? Is technology neutral? Who should be in charge of directing technological development? What is the role of scientists and engineers?

Main Instructors

Geoffrey C. Bowker, Professor in Cyberscholarship, University of Pittsburgh (more)
Susan Leigh Star, Professor and Doreen E. Boyce Chair in Library and Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh (more)

The course will offer students skills to

• understand the complexities of the social, political, technological aspects of design
• recognize different values that are embedded in a particular technology or a system
• negotiate between central  but conflicting values in a particular technology  design

The course aims at

• Deepening understanding of technology in relation to social, moral, political and cultural values.
• Revealing relevant cross-cutting literatures, approaches, and methodologies.
• Promoting the development of collegial networks among established scholars and students.

Students will cover a diverse research literature on technology and values, and design and design methodologies promoting a broad understanding of what “good” systems are. Guest faculty will lead discussions and share their own work.

The intensive course is structured so that the mornings shall be devoted to discussion of readings and guest lectures. In the afternoon, interdisciplinary groups of about 5 students will form into design charrettes produce a design for a given system or piece of technology which incorporates values they hold important.

Learning outcomes

We will explore how technology and information systems in particular promote and obscure the values to which we, individually and as societies are committed, values such as freedom, privacy, justice and autonomy. We call this investigation the study of values "embodied in” information systems and technology.

Assistant instructors

A team of leading young Finnish scholars will assist the course and tutor the student groups.

Level of the course

Doctoral and Master

The course is mainly intended for doctoral students, but students close to finishing their master’s degree can apply.

Language of the course

English

Location

Aalto University, Design Factory, Espoo http://aaltodesignfactory.fi/

Schedule

• Monday to Friday 9. – 14.8. lectures and group work at the Design Factory 9.00– 17.00
• Saturday 14.8. Public workshop with student presentations and key notes at the Design Factory
• Sunday 15.8. Excursion 11.00–18.00

Credits

3 ECTs

Requirements

• Pre-course readings (+written task)
• Attending Lectures & Group work / Presentations

Pre-course reading + written task (approx. 50 hours), lectures (6x3 hours), in-class discussion and design assignments/group work (6 x 3 hours), independent work (10 hours) student groups present their projects in a one day public workshop (6 hours).
Students are required to read in advance the selected texts and readings (texts will be uploaded to the course website). Students are expected to attend the all of the lectures and take part in the group work every day of and participate in the final workshop. Participation in the closing day excursion is optional.

Enrollment

Max. 20 students.

The course is open to all Aalto University students who are in the final stages of completing their master’s degree or in the beginning of their doctoral studies.
We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds including master’s degree in information science, media and communications, sociology, psychology, management, policy, law, STS, computer science and engineering, and philosophy. We are striving for diversity of backgrounds, methodologies, and geographic origin.

The course does not require prior studies in the field of Social Studies of Science and Technology. Students will be selected based on their applications.

Applications

The applications should include the following information (maximum 3 pages single spaced):

• Short description of the status of studies (including relevant coursework, work, design, or system-building experience)
• A statement about current research interests
• A discussion of why these interests could be developed through the course

The applications (=only one word or pdf document/applicant) including the applicant’s name and contact information) should be sent as an email attachment by 31.3.2010 to the VID2010 team at: VID2010 [at] aalto [dot] fi

Notification of acceptance by 15.4.2010.