Actor-network Inspired Design Research: Methodology and Reflections

This paper describes how Actor-network theory, an approach to sociological analysis which comes from the field of Science and Technology Studies, can be used in the analysis of field work for design research. A case study of the investigation of the use of speech recognition dictation software is used to present an actor-network approach to the analysis of field work for design. Using an actor-network approach is useful in analyzing qualitative data, however it does not replace, or attempt to replace, the creativity involved in designing. Instead it is used to guide design, beginning a process of ensuring that a final product is useful and useable. The Actor-Network approach used here showed that users of speech recognition dictation software faced unique challenges in integrating the software into their work practices. An understanding of these challenges points the way to improved speech recognition software in the future. Finally, an actor-network approach is shown to be of potential further interest to design research.