Talk Abstract
In technology design for social change, we must continually examine the questions of "What is the right thing to do?" and "How do we know we have done it?" I reflect on two projects situated in Nepal and the US that sought to support vulnerable populations through participatory technology design. The first project involved co-designing computing resources with an anti-sex trafficking organization and a group of sex-trafficking survivors living in a shelter home. Our design approach focused on uncovering and leveraging the survivors' communal practices and knowledge of handicraft-making to create socio-technical systems to support their reintegration journey. In the second project, which is ongoing, we are working with a non-profit organization and formerly incarcerated individuals (returning community members) to support reentry efforts. The engagement has brought to the fore challenges emerging from structural issues, and the critical need to promote digital literacy and provide employment support.
While contexts differ in the two projects, commonalities exist around the prevalence of stigma, structural challenges, and the value of community-engaged scholarship. In discussing these projects, I will distill transferable lessons for community-based technology projects, highlighting the importance of building on existing assets, taking an incremental partnership approach, and incorporating reciprocity. I will conclude by proposing considerations for human-centered computing research to enact positive change.
Biography
Aakash Gautam is an assistant professor with dual appointments in the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship. He joined SCI in Fall 2023. Previously, he was at San Francisco State University. He is interested in designing socio-technical approaches to supporting dignity, well-being, and the collective capacity of marginalized communities. His research lies at the intersection of human-computer interaction (HCI), learning sciences, and community development. Aakash is starting a new research lab focused on community-based design. You can find out more about him at https://aakash.xyz/.
Faculty Host
Dr. Erin Walker.
Location
Sennott Square Building, Room 5317
Date
Friday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.