Towards a closer dialogue between policy and practice

Abstract

Given the potent and pervasive nature of modern technologies, this paper lays out the complexities involved in achieving responsible design. In order to do this we will first compare an emerging policy-oriented programme of research known as RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation) with initiatives in HCI. A focus on the similarities and differences may highlight to what extent responsibility is already and successfully embedded within the concerns and practices of design and use, and what may yet need to be incorporated for responsible design. The paper then discusses the challenges of 'naturalising' the very ambitious programme of RRI within specific design activities and concerns, through the lens of four analytic concepts: reflexivity; responsiveness; inclusion; and anticipation. Finally, we make a case for a pragmatic, 'unromantic', but engaged reinterpretation of RRI for HCI.

Responsible research and innovation in the digital age

“…21 The scope of RRI has since expanded to include Computer Science, Robotics, Informatics and ICT more generally. 8 RRI proposes a new process for research and innovation governance. The aim is to ensure that science and innovation are undertaken in the public interest by incorporating methods for encouraging more democratic decision--making through greater inclusion of wider stakeholder communities that might be directly affected by the introduction of novel technologies.…”

“…Responsibilities need to be appropriately apportioned across the entire ecology of organisations that together deliver research and innovation. 8 Taking RRI seriously as a strategic concern would permit practices of anticipation, reflection, and engagement to occur in the formation of new research programmes by funding councils, and in the final stages of commercialisation at the academic / commercial interfaces. In between these poles it would recognise the role of funding councils, professional bodies and others in sustaining RRI practices within research teams by providing appropriate support, services and guidance.…”

Closing the feedback loop: a productive interplay between practice-based research and school development through cross-professional collaboration in secondary education

“…Such interplay can be called productive in situations in which research is actually used to inform school development. Because practice-based research can consist of multiple cycles, there are several opportunities for feedback from research to school practice (Clow 2012, Grimpe et al 2014. For interplay to be productive, certain conditions are important.…”

Implementing ethics for a mobile app deployment

“…As Mu et al (2015) point out, researchers themselves often also need the opportunity to discover and refine their understanding of the relevant ethical issues with new technology. Grimpe et al (2014) explore similar issues with respect to "responsible research". They discuss the anticipatory nature of HCI research, noting: "once a technology is released into the wild, its totalising effects are not necessarily a foregone conclusion."…”

“…An ending remains a design task and debriefing is enmeshed with this. Grimpe et al (2014) argue research should not just anticipate outcomes, but look forward to and navigate potential lines of technology adoption. With Quped we may anticipate answers to our research question, but we also need to think about the purposes beyond behaviour change that this app may be put to.…”