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Chapter 17 - Balancing the Momentum of Datafication with Qualitative Researchers as Design Thinkers

from Part III - Illustrative Examples and Emergent Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2023

By
Gongtai Wang ,
Andrew Burton-Jones  and
Saeed Akhlaghpour
Edited by
Boyka Simeonova  and
Robert D. Galliers
Boyka Simeonova
Affiliation:
University of Leicester
Robert D. Galliers
Affiliation:
Bentley University, Massachusetts and Warwick Business School
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Summary

This chapter introduces the concept of ‘datafication momentum’, which is the tendency for datafication systems to receive more influence from social systems in their early stages and exert more influence on social systems in their mature stages. Due to datafication momentum, datafication systems are prone to be inscribed with the dark side of social systems in their earlier stages, and then amplify this dark side in their later stages (e.g., leading to outcomes like data-driven discrimination). The chapter calls on qualitative researchers to combat this risk with a ‘qualitative researchers as design thinkers’ mindset. In particular, it proposes ‘design forensics’ as a practice in which qualitative researchers integrate design-thinking principles with design ethnography to identify the risk of datafication and shape it to a more desirable end. The chapter introduces three design principles – empathetic datafication, datafication totality and reflective criticism – and discusses their implications for research and practice.

Keywords

datafication momentumdesign thinkinginformation systems research as a design projectqualitative researcher as design thinkerdesign forensicsdesign ethnography
Type
Chapter
Information
Cambridge Handbook of Qualitative Digital Research , pp. 268 - 281
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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