DIKU Bits: Why the Body is Not a Neutral Design Space When It Comes to Self-Tracking Technologies

Speaker

Sarah Homewood, Assistant Professor - Tenure Track in the Human-Centred Computing section (HCC)

Title

Why the Body is Not a Neutral Design Space When It Comes to Self-Tracking Technologies

Abstract

Self-tracking technologies capture and document our bodily processes so that we can understand ourselves better and sometimes improve our health. I propose that the way in which we design self-tracking technologies is grounded in cultural norms and perspectives on the body. In my research on fertility tracking and chronic illness, I challenge these norms through research-through-design and offer examples of designs of self-tracking technologies that propose alternative experiences of our bodies.  

Which courses do you teach?

I teach on the Design Project course in the Communication & IT BSc

Which technology/research/projects/startup are you excited to see the evolution of?

I’m excited to see how healthcare transitioning into the home will influence the designs of medical technologies and how AI will shape the medical encounter whilst still maintaining the trust of users.