The Generative Role of Objects in Infrastructure Design

A Case of Designing a System for Continuity of Care

Bibliographic Data

ID14871600
AuthorsChristopher Sadorge (0000-0003-3471-6958, University of Oslo, corresponding author), Monika Nerland (0000-0003-2154-0842, University of Oslo, corresponding author), Miria Grisot (0000-0001-5266-5248, University of Oslo, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume33
Issue4
Pages1115-1149
Publication date2024-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueComputer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0925-9724 • E-ISSN: 1573-7551
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10606-023-09485-4
OpenAlexW4389949955
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited43

This study explores the generative role of objects in design work. While the CSCW literature includes a range of contributions on infrastructure design and ways of accounting for diverse existing systems, practices and perspectives in design, the focus has typically been on the point of use, rather than the earlier stages of design processes. However, as more worker groups become involved in design there is a need to understand the microdynamics of collaborative design in this phase and the interplay between problem framing and exploration. We examined how the design of an information system in the health sector evolved through the instantiation and exploration of intermediary objects that become generative in the design process. The data comprised observations over 2 years from design meetings with a team of health professionals and software developers mandated to develop a system for the registration and sharing of patient information across primary care units. The analysis showed how intermediary objects formed focal points from which infrastructure design problems were framed and collectively explored. These processes required considerable negotiation and exploration within and between the interdependencies that become relevant in the design process. We identified how intermediary objects take different representational forms and become generative in two ways: By producing new or transformed objects, and by revealing layers of complexity inherent in the design problem. We discussed implications of the analysis as regards aspects of the infrastructure design that can be handled in the design team versus aspects that should be delegated to local adaptation

Business · Computer-supported cooperative work · Design process · Engineering design process · Generative Design · Generative grammar · Human–computer interaction · Interdependence · Knowledge management · Process management · Sociology · Work (physics · Work in process · Computer Science · Engineering · Information Systems Theories and Implementation · Innovative Human-Technology Interaction · Persona Design and Applications · Artificial Intelligence

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Open DOIOpen Access