Leela Damodaran

Human factors in the digital world enhancing life style-the challenge for emerging technologies

Life at the beginning of the 21st century is characterized by the ever-increasing pace of technological development and the associated changes in patterns of communication, work and leisure. This paper comments on some of the benefits and limitations of current technology, the potential of emerging technologies to deliver enhanced quality of life for all on a global basis, and the role of human factors in enabling such a vision to become a reality. The author presents an integrative framework for the human factors (HF) domain. In this framework the key HF inputs to be made at each stage of the innovation design life cycle are identified, as well as the crucial enabling processes associated with change management necessary for HF to have a significant impact. Combined together, these elements constitute a human factors strategy. The author suggests that such strategies have a powerful capability to harness information and communications technologies and to ensure the delivery of wide-ranging benefits.

Socio-organizational issues

Whilst virtual organizations are enabled via existing and emerging technologies, they remain principally human constructs. The authors argue that the success of the VO throughout its lifecycle, from creation to dissolution, relies on its capability to create and sustain value. In this context, the human capital of the VO, and more generally, its ‘intangible assets’ play a determinant role. Thus the socio-organizational ‘equation’ consists of a combination of technology, culture, and organization, in which issues including trust, confidentiality, knowledge sharing, etc., must be blended successfully toward the shared VO purpose. This chapter explores the social and organizational aspects of virtual organizations and highlights important issues that need addressing in order to negotiate the necessary transition from a traditional to a knowledge driven organization that can engage effectively in knowledge driven alliances characterized by virtual business modes.

Falling Off the Bandwagon? Exploring the Challenges to Sustained Digital Engagement by Older People

Objectives: This study examines older peoples use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and identifies the factors which can prevent or promote their sustained use. Methods: A mixed methods approach was adopted. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by a survey of 323 older ICT users (aged ≥50 years) between 2011 and 2012. These data were supplemented by qualitative data obtained through in-depth interviews, focus groups and storytelling. Quantitative data were analysed using PASW including bivariate and multivariate analyses. Qualitative data were analysed using an inductive, thematic approach. Results: The findings show that, contrary to some stereotypes, many older people are enthusiastic, competent and confident users of ICTs. However, they report a range of challenges in reaching and maintaining this situation. These include technological complexity and change, age-related capability changes and a lack of learning and support mechanisms. Intrinsic motivation and social support are important in enabling older people to overcome these challenges. Discussion: Getting older people online has been a high priority in many countries over the past decade. However, little attention has been paid to whether and how their usage can be sustained over time. We discuss the implications of the findings for policy and practice.

User involvement in system design

Abstract Too often the users of systems are omitted from the design stages. Methods of involving users are discussed. Manuals are inadequate support mechanisms for users; a human interface between the nontechnical user and the computer can solve many difficulties.

Assistive Technologies: Ethical Practice, Ethical Research, and Quality of Life

Much has been written about the benefits, for example, greater independence, autonomy, and dignity, which can derive from the use of assistive technologies with older people (Loader, Hardey, & Keeble, 2009; McCreadie & Tinker, 2005; Poser & Moser, 2009). These benefits have been well researched, clearly expressed in the literature, and remain uncontested here. Apart from benefits to individuals and carers, assistive technologies can release funds for other applications, and where this is in care settings funded through public expenditure, the cost savings that might arise from their application may afford the opportunity for more effective targeting of taxpayer’s resources. As the Audit Commission (guardian of public expenditure in the UK) noted, the use of technology represents the unusual possibility of providing cost savings at the same time as better service provision (Audit Commission, 2004). The merits then are evident. But there is a need also to be alert to the ethical questions that arise as a concomitant to the use of new technologies and to address what Mort, Roberts, and Milligan (2009) have argued is an “ethical and democratic deficit in this field which has arisen due to a proliferation in research and development of advanced care technologies that has not been accompanied by sufficient consideration of their social context” (p. 85). This chapter will raise these ethical issues, alight on the potential deficits, and highlight some of the policy and practical issues that might warrant further inquiry. It does so by addressing three key areas. First, it considers ethical approaches commonly in use and their limitations for application in the field of assistive technologies. Second, it explores the ethical issues that arise around the design and execution of research with users of assistive technologies. Third, it raises the question of whether or not assistive technologies contribute to a better quality of life (QoL) for recipients, not least because QoL is explicitly included as an intended policy outcome of the deployment of such technologies (Scottish Government, 2009; Telecare Services, 2010). The chapter draws its examples primarily from the experience of the UK (and its devolved polities), where the policy objectives of governments for extending the use of assistive technologies are particularly ambitious. We are mindful of the methodological pitfalls of cross-national applicability, but the discussion should have broader resonance, as ethical approaches and practices come to terms with a technologically fast-changing world. Our use of the term assistive technologies embraces the definition of any item, piece of equipment, product, or system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, 1988 P.L.100/407); more practicably, as Cowan and Turner Smith (cited in McCreadie & Tinker, 2005) note, it refers to any device or system that allows an individual to perform a task that they would otherwise be unable to do or increases the ease and safety with which the task can be performed. We note in particular that some of the more interesting ethical challenges have arrived with the advent of telecare sensor-based technologies, which open up important issues around privacy, autonomy, and the potential for replacement of human care through remote monitoring.

The role of a social context for ICT learning and support in reducing digital inequalities for older ICT users

This paper examines the key role of formal and informal social support in reducing digital inequalities by enabling the digital participation of older people. It is based primarily on research conducted on the Sustaining IT use by older people to promote autonomy and independence Sus-IT project in the UK over a four-year period working with over 1,000 older people using mixed research methods within a participative framework. It is further informed by other studies. The rich, multi-faceted evidence reveals on the one hand the extensive learning and support needs and requirements of older users of information and communication technologies ICTs and, on the other, the dearth of reliable and ongoing support provision. ICT learning and support in the UK relies primarily on the goodwill of friends and family and on the availability of staff and volunteers in community venues, such as public libraries. Arrangements are often ad hoc and variable in quality and reliability. In a facilitated workshop, the learning and ICT support needs of older people and their preferred forms of provision were documented and deliberated. This generated a clear set of user requirements. To meet these requirements a proposition for community-based ICT support provision has been developed and refined. The paper concludes with consideration of this proposition which offers a powerful way to reduce the widespread digital inequalities among older people.

Democratizing local e-government: the role of virtual dialogue

The UK Government chose to deliver e-government services mainly through local authorities. Although e-government websites are provided by all local councils it appears that their level of use is still low and only few of them are fully transactional. The low level of user involvement is a significant factor for the low uptake of e-government websites by citizens. Therefore, it is worth investigating further how different government websites in the UK have addressed the issue of user involvement through the various features provided to potential users in their websites. The findings of the research reported here emphasize the crucial importance of user involvement -- in this case citizen engagement -- in the design, development and evolution of local e-Government systems.

Collaborative working - the elusive vision

Abstract This paper reviews progress towards achieving effective collaborative working in the construction sector. Vision statements published in 1998, 2000 and 2006, which anticipate the envisioned future scenarios in 2010 and 2020, respectively, are examined. The characteristics of these desirable futures are then compared with the current realities as evidenced by seven outline case studies and by the findings of two recent surveys. A considerable gap is identified between the compelling and desirable future visions and current practice. Some of the complex factors responsible for the significant shortfall are identified and discussed. The paper concludes with some recommendations for addressing the shortfall.

Keeping silver surfers on the crest of a wave – older people's ICT learning and support needs

Purpose – There is recognition that digital ICTs have the potential to support older people to live independently, to “age well”, to promote social inclusion and to facilitate access to commercial and government services. Research conducted by the Sus‐IT project under the “New Dynamics of Ageing” Programme has focused on how to help older ICT users to remain digitally engaged given the barriers that they can face and which can quickly erode their confidence or capability. Access to appropriate learning and support resources is a key issue for sustaining older ICT users. The aim of this paper is to investigate older peoples ICT learning and support needs.Design/methodology/approach – Older people themselves have been central to the research; more than 1,000 older people have participated in this research through open workshops, established formal and informal panels and groups across the UK, and through contacts with a number of organisations working with older people. Key research users (e.g. organisatio...

Contents, Vol. 59, 2013

Clinical Section M. Burtscher, Innsbruck G. Del Giudice, Siena V.C. Emery, Guildford J.D. Erusalimsky, Cardiff L. Fontana, St. Louis, Mo. J.J. Goronzy, Stanford, Calif. U. Granacher, Potsdam S. Gravenstein, Cleveland, Ohio F. Kronenberg, Innsbruck T.F. Lue, San Francisco, Calif. A.B. Maier, Amsterdam J. Olshansky, Chicago, Ill. T.M. Stulnig, Vienna J. Tao, Guangzhou D.C. Willcox, Ginowan D. Ziegler, Düsseldorf Behavioural Science Section K.J. Anstey, Acton, A.C.T. L. Clare, Bangor X.-Q. Dong, Chicago, Ill. J.D. Henry, St. Lucia, Qld. T. Hess, Raleigh, N.C. S.M. Hofer, Victoria, B.C. C.A. Hoppmann, Vancouver, B.C. D.C. Park, Dallas, Tex. R. Schwendimann, Basel