http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1833 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:59:52 GMT 2013-06-19T01:59:52Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5472 Title: Digital Doorway: Social-Technical innovation for high-needs communities Authors: Stillman, L; Herselman, M; Marais, M; Pitse Boshomane, M; Plantinga, P; Walton, S Abstract: The application of the Living Lab (LL) approach to social-technical innovation to the Digital Doorway Initiative in the informal settlement of informal settlement Zandspruit near Johannesburg is outlined in the context of the initiative’s evolution from an educational project to a broader community innovation initiative. The relationship between different stakeholders is explored in a theoretical and practical sense as a future research and practice challenge for both the study of ICTs in society (in this case, a poor community), and the fostering of community-driven innovation. The activity also offers a research challenge for understanding the cultural transformations that are necessary for bringing about more effective integration between technical and social-technical viewpoints about design and research in a social context. Current and projected community-based research activities are also outlined, including the development of a project in Australia for high-needs indigenous communities. Description: The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries (2012) Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5472 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5424 Title: Design research as a framework to evaluate the usability and accessibility of the digital doorway Authors: Adebesin, F; Kotzé, P; Gelderblom, H Abstract: The usability and accessibility of interactive system interfaces, as well as their evaluation constitutes important focus areas of human-computer interaction (HCI). One of the families of evaluation methods that can be used to assess the usability and accessibility of a given interface is the heuristic evaluation method. Heuristic evaluation can be conducted by applying general purpose heuristics or through heuristics that are specifically developed for the given interface. Developing specific heuristics hardly ever involves the use of a sound and recognized research methodology. Design research is increasingly being used as a theoretical and methodological framework for information systems research in general, and HCI research in particular. Design research is a problem-solving approach, involving the creation of artefacts through a rigorous process of design-evaluate-redesign. In a novel approach, the authors utilized the design research paradigm in the development of application-specific heuristics, and then also evaluated the usability and direct accessibility support provided by the Digital Doorway, a non-standard computer system deployed amongst underprivileged communities in South Africa with the aim of promoting computer literacy. This paper discusses the approach they followed. Description: Design, Development & Research Conference, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, 26-27 September 2011 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5424 2011-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5330 Title: Qualitative study on software application usage and user behaviour at South African Digital Doorway sites Authors: Gush, K; De Villiers, MR Abstract: Digital Doorways are rugged multi-terminal computer systems for promoting self-directed, unassisted or peer-assisted leaning in low- income communities where computer infrastructure is limited. Users develop the necessary skills through exploration and discovery, with limited or no intervention from a facilitator. Application usage data is of interest to content providers, developers, funders, community members and other stakeholders and, while quantitative analysis of usage has certain strengths, a mixed-methods research approach provides a more comprehensive picture. Qualitative studies hold utility in complementing quantitative research, by providing data on the site environment, user interactions and perceptions, and stated requirements. This paper presents the qualitative side of a recent mixed-methods study. This aspect of the study involved site visits to four Digital Doorway installations. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and naturalistic observations were undertaken, with the goal of better understanding user activity and software application usage, particularly with respect to age and gender of users, site location, and environmental factors. The qualitative study had both a confirmatory and complementary effect on the quantitative study, affirming certain aspects and highlighting others not identified by log-file analysis alone. User activity and application usage were influenced both by user demographics and by environmental aspects, with site administrators playing a more meaningful role at certain sites than at others. Description: 5th IDIA Conference: ICT for development: people, policy and practice, Lima, Peru, 26 - 28 October 2011 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5330 2011-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/4628 Title: Applying living lab methodology to enhance skills in innovation Authors: Herselman, M; Marais, M; Pitse-Boshoman, M Abstract: The focus of this paper is to indicate how skills can be enhanced in innovation through the application of the living lab methodology. When users are part of the creation of innovation in real-life contexts it can have a positive effect on the enhanced and developed of their skills. This methodology allows for the user to be an active participant in the co-creation of knowledge and innovation. This allows for skills development where user’s innovative skills can be enhanced and developed and which is also inline with the South African medium term strategic framework and the millennium goals of the Department of Science and Technology. Evidence of how the living lab methodology can enhance innovation skills was made clear during various visits to operational living labs in South Africa where communities are supported with skills development through their active participation as users in the co-creation of innovation. Description: Proceedings of the eSkills Summit 2010. Cape Town, 26-28 July 2010 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10204/4628 2010-07-01T00:00:00Z