1
Activity Theory and Context-Based Design
Introduction
A significant evolutionary shift has occurred in human-computer interac-
tion (HCI) design. Prior to this shift, computer software designers tended
toward a computer-centered design approach that at best assumed and at
worst ignored the needs and preferences of end users. This approach pri-
oritized the attributes of the technology itself and often resulted in design
solutions that were in search of problems. Its limitations gave rise to a
human-centered design in which users articulated their needs and devel-
opers observed or listened to users and then addressed various needs in
their designs. Unlike the technology push of computer-centered design,
human-centered design emphasizes human needs and objectives and the
technology that serves these purposes.
Another shift has begun now—to a context-based design where the use,
design, and evaluation of technology are socially co-constructed and me-
diated by human communication and interaction. Context-based design
builds on human-centered design by positioning the interactions between
users and mediating tools within the motives, community, rules, history,
and culture of those users. In addition, context-based design calls for de-
signers and evaluators to reflect on the elements of their own context and
on the way that this space interacts with the space of technology use.
This book uses activity theory as an orienting framework for context-
based design. In our work on human-computer interaction, we attempt to
explicate the workings of communicative tools, spaces, and practices and
thereby raise numerous questions regarding the activity of design. How do
tools mediate activities? Do different kinds of tools mediate differently?
1
Activity Theory and Context-Based Design
Introduction
A significant evolutionary shift has occurred in human-computer interac-
tion (HCI) design. Prior to this shift, computer software designers tended
toward a computer-centered design approach that at best assumed and at
worst ignored the needs and preferences of end users. This approach pri-
oritized the attributes of the technology itself and often resulted in design
solutions that were in search of problems. Its limitations gave rise to a
human-centered design in which users articulated their needs and devel-
opers observed or listened to users and then addressed various needs in
their designs. Unlike the technology push of computer-centered design,
human-centered design emphasizes human needs and objectives and the
technology that serves these purposes.
Another shift has begun now—to a context-based design where the use,
design, and evaluation of technology are socially co-constructed and me-
diated by human communication and interaction. Context-based design
builds on human-centered design by positioning the interactions between
users and mediating tools within the motives, community, rules, history,
and culture of those users. In addition, context-based design calls for de-
signers and evaluators to reflect on the elements of their own context and
on the way that this space interacts with the space of technology use.
This book uses activity theory as an orienting framework for context-
based design. In our work on human-computer interaction, we attempt to
explicate the workings of communicative tools, spaces, and practices and
thereby raise numerous questions regarding the activity of design. How do
tools mediate activities? Do different kinds of tools mediate differently?
