Short answer
When designing systems for user engagement, consider how market-driven controls might lead to social exclusion and self-policing, and prioritize inclusive design strategies.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Accounting and Management Information Systems (2020)
- Method
- Netnography and qualitative interviews
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Implementing market-driven control mechanisms in fan engagement can inadvertently foster social exclusion and self-policing among user groups. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Accounting and Management Information Systems. Using Netnography and qualitative interviews, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing systems for user engagement, consider how market-driven controls might lead to social exclusion and self-policing, and prioritize inclusive design strategies.
Neoliberal control devices can lead to fan self-exclusion and social discrimination.
Implementing market-driven control mechanisms in fan engagement can inadvertently foster social exclusion and self-policing among user groups.
Accounting and Management Information Systems · 2020
Key Findings
- 01Control mechanisms blurred the lines between private enterprise and state authority.
- 02Fans engaged in self-exclusion and self-policing.
- 03A segment of the fan base, characterized by a working-class demographic, was systematically excluded.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing systems for user engagement, consider how market-driven controls might lead to social exclusion and self-policing, and prioritize inclusive design strategies.
How to apply
When designing ticketing systems, access controls, or community platforms, consider how criteria for access or participation might inadvertently exclude certain user groups based on socio-economic or other arbitrary factors.
Project actions
- 01Consider the social impact of your design choices, not just the functional or commercial ones.
- 02Think about who might be excluded by your design and why.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes a mixed-methods approach combining netnography and interviews for rich data.
- +Applies a critical theoretical lens (Foucauldian) to analyze power dynamics.
Limitations
The findings are specific to a particular context and may not apply universally to all user groups or industries.
Reliability & validity
The qualitative nature of the study provides depth but may limit generalizability. Triangulation of data from netnography and interviews enhances validity.
Think critically
To what extent should commercial interests dictate user access and community formation within a public-facing organization?
Design Principles
"User engagement systems should be designed to foster community and inclusivity, avoiding mechanisms that can lead to social discrimination or self-censorship."
Designers and organizations must consider the unintended social consequences of control systems, particularly when they intersect with user identity and community. A focus on market rationality can alienate existing user bases and create discriminatory barriers, impacting brand perception and user loyalty.
What This Means for Your Design
Using strict rules based on business goals can make some fans feel unwelcome and lead them to police themselves or be kicked out, especially if they don't fit a certain image.
How to use in your project
- 1.This research can inform the ethical considerations section of your design project, particularly when discussing user management or access control.
- 2.Use it to justify the need for inclusive design principles in your project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The research by Cho et al. (2020) highlights how market-driven control devices can lead to unintended social discrimination and fan self-exclusion, emphasizing the need for designers to consider the ethical and social consequences of their design choices, particularly in user engagement systems.
Source
Accounting and Management Information Systems
Neoliberal control devices and social discrimination: The case of Paris Saint-Germain football club fans
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about neoliberal control devices can lead to fan self-exclusion and social discrimination?
- When designing systems for user engagement, consider how market-driven controls might lead to social exclusion and self-policing, and prioritize inclusive design strategies. Evidence: Accounting and Management Information Systems (2020).
- Why does "Neoliberal control devices can lead to fan self-exclusion and social discrimination." matter for design?
- Designers and organizations must consider the unintended social consequences of control systems, particularly when they intersect with user identity and community. A focus on market rationality can alienate existing user bases and create discriminatory barriers, impacting brand perception and user loyalty.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing systems for user engagement, consider how market-driven controls might lead to social exclusion and self-policing, and prioritize inclusive design strategies.
- What were the main findings?
- Control mechanisms blurred the lines between private enterprise and state authority.. Fans engaged in self-exclusion and self-policing.. A segment of the fan base, characterized by a working-class demographic, was systematically excluded.
- What research method was used?
- Netnography and qualitative interviews.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2020 journal from Accounting and Management Information Systems.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing ticketing systems, access controls, or community platforms, consider how criteria for access or participation might inadvertently exclude certain user groups based on socio-economic or other arbitrary factors.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on a specific football club and its fan base, potentially limiting generalizability to other contexts.