How values can reduce conflicts in the design process: Results from a multi-site mixed-method field study

Abstract

This study investigates values that are positively correlated with a reduction in value conflicts during the process of designing computational models among stakeholders such as modelers, clients, users, and those affected by models. Survey results identify statistically significant differences in the values of those who have experienced various kinds of value conflicts and those who have not, in terms of values such as equality, a spiritual life, forgiving, humble, a world at peace, politeness, responsible, self-discipline, honoring of parents and elders, true friendship, and devout. Interview results shed further light on the role that these values play in reducing value conflicts. Overall, this study illustrates the importance for computational modelers to consider and design for the values of all stakeholders in the computational modeling process, which can ensure that the models that they build will be sensitive to and appropriate for the values of all of the individuals and communities that will be affected by computational models.