Naturalistic and qualitative research methods offer the potential to provide rich insight for systems design. However it is as yet unclear how to apply these insights in a systematic fashion, and in particular to novel and collaborative technologies. Using interaction analysis of video materials, recorded in both real workplaces and experimental situations, this Faraday Partnership research project seeks a framework for the evaluation of technology. This is being done through the study of the military domain, with a view to developing requirements for systems to support its planning and decision-making processes.

Project staff and support

Christopher Hinds (Postgraduate Faraday associate, University of Oxford)
Marina Jirotka (Academic supervisor, University of Oxford)
Stanley Carter (Industrial supervisor, SCS)
Tim Boxer (Technology Translator, Smith Institute)

This project is being carried out at the University of Oxford, in conjunction with Systems Consultants Services. It is supported by an EPSRC industrial CASE award, made available through the Faraday Partnership for Industrial Mathematics. Start date: January 2001; duration: 3 years.