User Autonomy: Who Should Control What and When?

Monday, April 15

In this workshop we are concerned with understanding the relationship between user autonomy, the user interface, and computer system design. By autonomy we mean the capability to act on the basis of one's own decisions; to be guided by one's own reasons, desires, and goals. When actions are unduly constrained or restricted then autonomy may be diminished or violated. Consider a case in point: Imagine a video-conferencing system that contains a camera with no on/off switch; such a system provides no ready means for the user to control when images of the user are being recorded and broadcast. This example highlights the importance for users to have control over their technology.

In the workshop, we draw on the organizers' background and participants' research and design experiences (1) to identify designs and abuses of user autonomy in computer systems and (2) to generate design principles for protecting user autonomy.

Participants with diverse backgrounds and design experiences are desired, including but not limited to researchers, practitioners, designers, and educators. Interested individuals should send a brief letter describing their interest in the topic and their background. Also please include an example of an actual or hypothetical system where the issue of user autonomy arises. Some preparation prior to the workshop will be required.

This one-day workshop is limited to 15 participants.

Contact

Batya Friedman
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Colby College
Waterville, ME  04901 USA
E-mail: b_friedm@colby.edu
Tel: +1 207-872-3572
Fax: +1 207-872-3555