The PhD defence will be partially digital, in Kristen Nygaards sal (5370), Ole-Johan Dahls hus and streamed directly using Zoom. The host of the session will moderate the technicalities while the chair of the defence will moderate the disputation.
Ex auditorio questions: the chair of the defence will invite the attending audience at Kristen Nygaards sal to ask ex auditorio questions.
Trial lecture
“Theorizing in design research: How to generate knowledge from design for vulnerable populations”
Time and place: January 14, 2025 11:15 AM. Kristen Nygaards sal (5370), Ole-Johan Dahls hus.
Main research findings
This thesis investigates how technology can support individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in managing their daily lives, addressing challenges of self-management, mitigating social isolation, and societal stigma. Using a Research through Design approach, the work combines extensive fieldwork with the creation of prototypes of new technologies for people with ME. Tailored artifacts such as the SlowBreath cushion, ShareME lamp, and RelaxME bracelet were shaped with the participation of various stakeholders.
In addition, the work contributed to the development of the AV1 robot avatar from idea to commercialization in collaboration with No Isolation. These technologies foster social inclusion, improve self-management, and reduce stigma, offering much-needed support for this underserved group.
The research draws on theories such as phenomenology, Actor-Network Theory, and theories of change to better understand the interplay between people, technology, and societal perceptions. Methodologically and ethically, the thesis contributes to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
This work broadens the design landscape for addressing the needs of people with ME by showcasing if and how technology can provide tangible benefits and improve quality of life. It highlights the importance of responsible and empathetic design when working with marginalized populations and explores how media coverage influences public perceptions of new technologies.
Adjudication committee
- Professor Mikael Wiberg, Umeå University, Sweden
- Associate Professor Sisse Finken, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Associate Professor Troels Mønsted, University of Oslo, Norway
Supervisors
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Professor Alma Leora Culén, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Norway
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Professor Maja Hedwig Maria van der Velden, University of Oslo, Norway
Chair of defence
- Professor Margunn Aanestad, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo
Contact information at Department: Mozhdeh Sheibani Harat