Using activity theory to develop a design framework for rural development

ABSTRACT

Many attempts to bridge the digital divide between lesser-developed countries (LDC) through Information & Communication Technology (ICT) projects have had little success. With the concurrent rise in number of ICT projects in rural areas, the current situation calls for better design. However, it is our claim that the nature of villages.being devoid of digital artifacts.requires much of HCI theory and methodologies to be re-examined. HCI theory has evolved in urban environments over the past 30 years and may not be suitable for the village environment. However, Activity Theory lends itself well to these environments as its primary focus is on pre-existing activities and goals rather than digital artifacts themselves. Using this theory as basis, we examine past failures and successes of ICT interventions. From this examination we intend to derive a practical framework for guiding future HCI-design (HCID) in the developing world.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.m Miscellaneous

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Theory

Keywords:
HCI, ICT, activity theory, lesser-developed countries