First call for participation SIKS Masterclass on Human-Computer Interaction "Technology in Work Environments - what might work and why not" Wednesday March 15, 2006 Vrije Universtiteit De Boelelaan 1081 A 1081 HV Amsterdam zaal 14A02 in the Main Building, entrance 1105. 10.30 a.m. - 16.30 p.m. PROVISIONARY PROGRAM 10:30 Gerrit C. van der Veer (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam), "Welcome, Introduction to the theme" 11:00 Alan Dix (Computing Department Lancaster University, UK) "Appropriate intelligence on the desktop and the web" 12:30 Lunch 13:30 Cristina Chisalita (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam) "Contextual issues in technology design and use: on barriers and opportunities" 15:00 Ellen Christiansen (Institute for Communication Aalborg University, Denmark) "Blogging - a technology for integrating personal networks in the corporate culture? " 16.30 Final considerations /end of the masterclass ABSTRACTS: Appropriate intelligence on the desktop and the web Intelligent interfaces got a bad name in the early 1990's when the early promises were not fulfilled. Some of these problems stem from an overconfidence in the both the accuracy of AI (that is artificial intelligence!) techniques and also in an assumption that this is what is most important. However, systems have been successful that have, whether by design or by accident, created an interaction that works within and understanding the constraints and properties of the algorithms employed. In addition to a broad discussion of these issues I'll also look at some of the technology we developed at aQtive, a dot.com company I was involved with during the dot.com explosion. The company died as a commercial entity ... but I will describe how some of the things we did then are beginning to be picked up as part of new academic work. Contextual issues in technology design and use: on barriers and opportunities Nowadays organizational efficiency and competitiveness is strongly influenced by the technology used. Having in mind the competitive edge given by technology organizations often design or adopt and implement expensive technology without questioning the advantages promised by these technologies. Unfortunately, many projects end up in failure. Often the cause of the failure is not analyzing the specific situations in which the technology will be used. A better understanding of how a certain technology is used in organizations in specific situations can help clarifying what factors influence a certain way of using the technology, and to help (re)-design the technology to be more efficient. To understand the specifics of a situation means to understand the context in which technology is used in organizations. The context of technology use and design is approached from different perspectives in different research fields (Human Computer Interaction, Computer Supported Collaborative Work and Information Systems). We analyze several theoretical frameworks proposed in these research fields and look for advantages and shortcomings. Based on this analysis we propose a framework (culture, power, knowledge and properties of technology) to analyze the context of use. We use this framework to investigate real-life situations, carrying out two case studies. In order to contrast the case studies we chose two organizations from the same (financial) industry. To have some variety we chose to have an organization from the private sector (a bank) and public (governmental) organizations (a Ministry). Both studies are carried out in a Western European country. Based on the results we reflect back on the framework. Our findings show what design recommendations can be derived from an analysis of the context of use. Suggestion for future research are made. REGISTRATION: Participation (lunch included) is free for all SIKS-members, but an early registration is required. To register, please send an e-mail to office@siks.nl and inform Mrs. Corine Wesselman whether you will take the lunch and about dietary needs. Deadline for registration: March 03 2006