Writing Prompts

Tools, Technology, and Human Experience

Students read an essay, Preserving Wilderness, by Wendell Berry—the American writer, naturalist, and farmer—and explore how an enduring set of questions about design apply to human-centered design and value sensitive design. Used in undergraduate and graduate teaching for about 10 years.

David Hendry, Value Sensitive Design Lab, The Information School, University of Washington.

PDF | DOC | bib.tex

Do Tools and Technology Have Values?

Students explore the question: Do tools and technology have values? Two of the readings—Kransberg (1986) and Orlikowski (2000)—are challenging for undergraduate students but ultimately rewarding. Used in undergraduate teaching.

David Hendry, Value Sensitive Design Lab, The Information School, University of Washington.

PDF | DOC | bib.tex

Technology and Society: To App or Not to App

Drawing on Wallach (2015) and Wiener (1950), students consider the difference between "know how" and "know what." Used in undergraduate teaching.

David Hendry, Value Sensitive Design Lab, The Information School, University of Washington.

PDF | DOC | bib.tex

Engineering for Responsibility

Students read an account of "Responsible Innovation" (van den Hoven, 2013) and consider how value sensitive design might be a means for obtaining the goal of responsible innovation. In-class discussions typically turn to challenging questions related to cultural, economic, political, and social issues—for example, the connection between system design and capitalism and the environment. Used in undergraduate teaching.

David Hendry, Value Sensitive Design Lab, The Information School, University of Washington.

PDF | DOC | bib.tex

Technology Projects and Value Sensitive Design

Students are prompted, first, to find a recent account of a technology project in the popular press and, second, to critically analyze the account with value sensitive design theory. Outcome: Students develop analytic skills for employing theory. Used in undergraduate teaching.

David Hendry, Value Sensitive Design Lab, The Information School, University of Washington.

PDF | DOC