A master thesis from Aalborg University
Diversitet ind, diversitet ud - En undersøgelse af bias i design og udvikling af teknologi
[Diversity in, diversity out - a study on bias in design and development of technology]
Forfatter(e)
Semester
4. semester
Uddannelse
Udgivelsesår
2022
Afleveret
2022-05-31
Antal sider
77 pages
Abstract
This study addresses biased-related issues in the design and development of technologies such as facial recognition systems, decision-making algorithms, and service robots. The topic is already covered in multiple publications, whereas this research seeks to collect an overview of these issues and combine it with possible solutions through a systematic literature review. It is proven that some of the most widespread technologies used in everyday life and work have better accessibility and functionality for some users rather than others and that these issues are often rooted in biases. The study aims to map out which ethical challenges are characteristic in technology design and development as seen from a user-centered perspective. Ethnicity-related biases and the consequences it entails is the focus of this study. The choice of focus is based on a hypothesis that it seems to be the most critical, as some much-applied technology has shown to function based on properties like facial features including skin tone. Using theories relevant to Human-Centered Design, including Design Thinking and Participatory Design, the study seeks to find answers on how to reduce or even avoid bias-related problems in technology. It also includes an examination of the basic elements of Artificial Intelligence, as this particular technology is an important part of the analysis. The theories are chosen on the basis of the hypothesis that user-centered approaches and values are needed in order to create inclusive designs that are available for all users. Involving users in processes like testing or using representative data training sets should ease the way for technology to work more inclusively. By performing a structured literature review, the study uncovers five main areas of focus presented in the literature, including biases, problem areas, technologies, problem origins, and methods for solving. Each area represents a collection of coded literature relevant to the topic, which creates a categorized overview of each subject. By analyzing this data, four main solution suggestions that can be utilized in developing inclusive ethically considered technology, are discovered: user involvement, representation, transparency, and guidelines. My hope for this thesis is to shed light on the problems currently relevant in technology development and to show that there are established and proven methods available to solve these problems.
Emneord
teknologi ; design ; udvikling ; bias ; etnicitet ; køn ; human centered design ; design thinking ; participatory design
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