Unpacking end-user relations in an emerging ubiquitous computing environment : introducing the bystander

Ferneley, E and Light, BA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0038-8979 2008, 'Unpacking end-user relations in an emerging ubiquitous computing environment : introducing the bystander' , Journal of Information Technology, 23 (3) , pp. 163-175.

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Abstract

The move towards technological ubiquity is allowing a more idiosyncratic and dynamic working environment to emerge that may result in the restructuring of information communication technologies, and changes in their use through different user groups' actions. Taking a ‘practice’ lens to human agency, we explore the evolving roles of, and relationships between these user groups and their appropriation of emergent technologies by drawing upon Lamb and Kling's social actor framework. To illustrate our argument, we draw upon a study of a UK Fire Brigade that has introduced a variety of technologies in an attempt to move towards embracing mobile and ubiquitous computing. Our analysis of the enactment of such technologies reveals that Bystanders, a group yet to be taken as the central unit of analysis in information systems research, or considered in practice, are emerging as important actors. The research implications of our work relate to the need to further consider Bystanders in deployments other than those that are mobile and ubiquitous. For practice, we suggest that Bystanders require consideration in the systems development life cycle, particularly in terms of design and education in processes of use.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Media, Digital Technology and the Creative Economy
Schools:	Schools > School of Arts & Media > Arts, Media and Communication Research Centre
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Information Technology
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0268-3962
Depositing User:	BA Light
Date Deposited:	05 Sep 2011 10:04
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 12:07
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/17206

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