Current human–computer interaction (HCI) paradigms are deeply rooted in a Western epistemology that attests its partiality and bias of its embedded assumptions, values, definitions, techniques, and derived frameworks and models. Thus tensions created between local cultures and HCI principles require researchers to pursue a more critical research agenda within an indigenous epistemology. In this article an Afro-centric paradigm is presented, as promoted by African scholars, as an alternative perspective to guide interaction design in a situated context in Africa and promote the reframing of HCI. A practical realization of this paradigm shift within our own community-driven design in Southern Africa is illustrated.
Reference:
Winschiers-Theophilus, H and Bidwell, N.J. 2012. Toward an Afro-Centric indigenous HCI paradigm. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, vol. 29(4), pp 243-255
Winschiers-Theophilus, H., & Bidwell, N. (2013). Toward an Afro-Centric indigenous HCI paradigm. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6795
Winschiers-Theophilus, H, and NJ Bidwell "Toward an Afro-Centric indigenous HCI paradigm." (2013) http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6795
Winschiers-Theophilus H, Bidwell N. Toward an Afro-Centric indigenous HCI paradigm. 2013; http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6795.
Copyright: 2013 Taylor & Francis. This is an ABSTRACT ONLY. The definitive version is published in International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, vol. 29(4), pp 243-255