Work

From the Master's Tool to an Instrument of Change: HCI Design Method Subversion

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: The dominant view of HCI design methods, aligned with profit-driven goals, reinforces existing power structures and economic inequality. Inspired by Aude Lorde's assertion that "the master's tools cannot dismantle the master's house,” this paper examines their potential to enable socially just, community-driven outcomes by subverting conventional methods like example mapping. We apply Amos Vogel's framework of subversion of form and content, using case study in cooperative and community land trust context. This research represents a novel approach as it specifically focuses on subverting a conventional design method to align with cooperative principles and economic justice. Findings highlight the importance of inclusivity, mutual aid, and community-centred processes in shifting technology design goals toward equity and collective ownership.

Source: Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA)

DOI: 10.1145/3706599.3720035

Authors: Larisa Blazic, Sara Heitlinger, Alex S Taylor

Institutions: City St George's, University of London, University of Edinburgh

Language: English

Topic: Innovative Human-Technology Interaction

Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4409721490