Reducing uncertainty in a human-centered design approach: Using actor-network theory analysis to establish fluid design guidelines

Abstract

When designing, it can be difficult to keep track of all of the complex and varying relationships that exist. This paper is intended to persuade designers to consider using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) in order to gain insights about the existence and the nature of complex relationships occurring within a usage scenario. ANT allows for the creation of network maps that may offer insights about future interactions that are useful for gauging the appropriateness of a particular technological intervention. Guidelines are offered for using ANT for design. Future work is being done to further establish and validate methodologies for creating ANT network maps. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.