Abstract

INTRODUCTION The Product Impact Tool is the application-oriented result of the research project Product Impact on User Behavior, aiming to investigate the impact of technology on users and to make the insights applicable in the design process. The impact of technology on users and society is an important topic in research on technology in reflexive research fields. Especially in recent empirically oriented philosophy of technology and the related interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies this has resulted in concepts that promise to be of interest for application in design as well. For example, the notions of script and of delegation of action from humans to technologies may be compared to research at the interface of psychology and design on affordances, persuasive technology, and nudges. Design practice has made little use of this knowledge, although to date there is a growing awareness of the possible advantages of combining research fields ; the recombination of perspectives is promising for understanding human-technology interaction. This is useful for improving product usability as well as for addressing ethical issues in product design. It can also provide guidance for the shaping of new technology. The Product Impact Tool aims to translate theories about the influence of technology on design practice. The tool comprises a model and a format for a session that provides instructions on employment of the model. The workshop will provide an extensive introduction to the model, and workshop participants will then be guided through a session to apply the tool to a case.