Re-defining the Problem in Technology Aided Epidemic Prevention: from contact tracing to behavioral design

Abstract

In this work, the Covid-19 pandemic provides the context for exploring the emerging field of mobile technologies for disease prevention and tracking during epidemics and pandemics. Knowledge on how to design and utilize these types of digital preventive technologies and how to gain public acceptance is still limited. This area presents novel opportunities for the informatics community to address the pressing need to enhance resilience to epidemic outbreaks. Much focus has been placed on proximity-based contact tracing applications during this pandemic, but their use has raised concerns about ethics and privacy. Scholars have also called for alternatives to this technology. In this regard, technologies based on behavioral design represent a promising yet under-explored opportunity. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to a better understanding of how mobile technologies can support preventive efforts during epidemic outbreaks. Additionally, it aims to inform ways of thinking and approaching the problem to guide design of digital preventive technologies. The research question guiding this work is: How can digital preventive technologies based on proximity tracking be designed and utilized to enhance mitigation strategies during epidemic outbreaks? This work comprises four studies that shed light on different levels of this complex problem through conceptual and empirical approaches. Two technologies—contact tracing and nudge technologies—are discussed, and various aspects related to their design and use are explored. It is proposed to reframe the problem in technological design, from a focus on tracking infectious individuals to a behavioral design perspective, promoting physical distancing through nudges. Moreover, it is emphasized that human aspects such as public acceptance are essential for utilizing the potential of digital preventive technologies. This thesis contributes to emerging theoretical understanding of how digital and preventive technologies can be utilized in epidemic outbreaks. It also expands the number of tangible alternatives available for a toolbox of digital preventive technologies, strengthening our preparedness for future outbreaks.