My concern is understanding people's information creation and use, and their uses of information systems and technology for knowledge work. I'm interested in understanding how people's knowledge-related purposes and activities and their local, situated practices interact with information artifacts and technology. My premise is that people will use IT to the extent to which it helps them pursue their own activities, so the use of (and resistance to) IT can be better understood by first looking at people's activities and practices. Activities and practices are specific to a time and place, rooted in practice communities, so I'm interested in knowledge communities.

This understanding can help us to better design information systems and technology to be useful and used.

My current research is concerned with (1) the social uses of photography, and how these relate to the emerging uses of networked, digital imaging technology, and (2) trust and credibility in internet-based information.

My research is rooted largely in STS (studies of technology and society), work practice, and human computer interaction (HCI).

In my teaching, I try to instill in my students an understanding of the importance of users and uses of information technology, and the interplay between the social and technology. I try to give them understanding and skills to design and manage information technology so that it suits people’s needs and practices.

MOT Courses:

• NEEDS AND USABILITY ASSESSMENT
  

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