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thumbnail of Knowing and not knowing as system design imperatives

Author
Robert J. Houghton & Karen Lancaster
Abstract
We discuss the importance of “not knowing” as a design imperative in digital and automated systems with examples drawn from a range of different settings together with discussion of how this might be responsibly addressed based on analysis using E/HF methods. Reflection is also offered on situations where the temptation to ignorance should not be acted on in design terms - or simply ignored - but embraced as a sensitive heuristic tool for detecting wider system design challenges made salient by digitalisation.