Culturally-Informed Co-design of Interactive Digital Tools with Citizen Science Communities

Abstract

The purpose of this research concerns the integration between Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and interactive digital tools to increase users' awareness about sustainability in the context of Citizen Science communities. In particular, this research project aims to design and develop meaningful and effective interactive data storytelling and interactive digital narratives based on HCI methodologies for Citizen Science. Specifically, we will investigate how cultural elements can be implemented in the design process to improve significance and sense of ownership of technological tools for scientific communication. Such tools can be critical for scientific communication in the context of the local communities of citizen scientist, as the knowledge that they produce tend to remain in the niche of their group. Interactive digital tools can convey simple, yet meaningful narrations to the public and enhance both awareness and decision-making processes about sustainability.