Indigenous Knowledge and New Technologies: Bridging Traditions and Innovations from a te ao Māori perspective

In a world racing towards innovation, Indigenous knowledge systems remain rooted in ancient traditions that offer profound insights into sustainable practices, holistic well-being, and cultural preservation. This talk invites you to embark on a journey that bridges the wisdom of generations with the marvels of modern technology. We will take a closer look at the depth and diversity of indigenous knowledge, the need to safeguard it as well as real world applications where indigenous knowledge is integrated into healthcare, environment and language revitalization. We will explore the interplay between technology and Mātauranga Māori; how technology can preserve and revitalise this wisdom. By examining past successes and failures in collaborations and lessons learned from working with Iwi, we will consider available challenges and opportunities and envision a future where the preservation of cultural identities and sustainability are the driving forces. This talk invites you to join us in embracing a future where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously. Together, we'll celebrate the depth and significance of Indigenous knowledge while fostering collaborative efforts that will shape the future of both traditional wisdom and technological marvels. In the intersection of Indigenous wisdom and new technologies lies a world of endless possibilities.

Research Through Design and the Emergence of a Design Programme

As Alan Kay (almost) said, “The best way to find alternatives is to invent them.” Over the past two decades, my colleagues and I at the Interaction Research Studio have actively pursued this principle. Our journey has taken us through a diverse range of settings, from serene monasteries to city streets, via care homes, gardens and domestic spaces. Over this time, we have crafted a portfolio of highly-finished research products that explore possibilities often overlooked by the high-tech industry. In this presentation, I will provide a brief overview of how we understand design practice as a form of research. I will showcase a selection of our creations and shed light on the methods and concepts that underpin our work. My primary focus, however, will be on our recent endeavours, which have launched us on a new trajectory – from the development of self-built products to emerging explorations of transhuman design practice.

Agile Usability Testing: A Transformative Approach for Enhancing Product Quality and Driving Digital Transformation.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive product and service development landscape, delivering high-quality solutions demands agile methodologies and innovative approaches. Agile usability testing is critical to bridging the gaps between assumptions and user expectations. In this keynote talk, we will explore the transformative power of Agile Usability Testing, exploring its essential role in enhancing product quality and driving digital transformation. The journey from conceptualisation to the final product involves multifaceted phases, often constrained by time and resources. Traditional approaches, like User Acceptance Testing, are often used to meet the requirements to include users throughout development. Agile Usability Testing revolutionises this process by advocating for continuous user engagement, validating assumptions, and conducting iterative improvements. I will discuss the pivotal principles underpinning Agile Usability Testing, emphasising its agility and efficiency compared to conventional usability testing. Drawing from diverse industry and community settings, I will share real-world examples of Agile Usability Testing practice from my works. These case studies will explore some practical strategies and challenges faced during implementation. Moreover, this talk will touch on issues relevant to diversity, equality, and inclusivity in usability testing, paving the way for sustainable design approaches.