Short answer
Design for a spectrum of digital literacy, not just the most tech-savvy users, to ensure equitable access to IoT benefits.
- Field
- Human Factors
- Source
- Policy & Internet (2018)
- Method
- Conceptual Analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) are not universally accessible, as varying levels of digital skills and resources create new forms of disadvantage. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Policy & Internet. Using Conceptual analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design for a spectrum of digital literacy, not just the most tech-savvy users, to ensure equitable access to IoT benefits.
IoT Skill Gaps Exacerbate Digital Divide, Limiting User Benefits
The benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) are not universally accessible, as varying levels of digital skills and resources create new forms of disadvantage.
Policy & Internet · 2018
Key Findings
- 01IoT offers significant potential benefits across various sectors like energy, health, and transportation.
- 02The realization of these benefits is contingent upon individual users possessing specific digital skills and resources.
- 03Disparities in skills and resources lead to unequal access to IoT advantages, creating new forms of exclusion.
- 04The autonomous nature of many IoT devices belies a growing need for sophisticated user understanding and strategic engagement.
Application
Design takeaway
Design for a spectrum of digital literacy, not just the most tech-savvy users, to ensure equitable access to IoT benefits.
How to apply
When designing any IoT product, conduct user research that specifically assesses digital literacy and identify potential barriers to adoption for less experienced users. Develop tiered support and educational resources.
Project actions
- 01When researching user needs for an IoT project, actively seek out participants with varying levels of technical experience.
- 02Consider how your design might be perceived or used by someone with limited digital skills.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Identifies a critical emerging issue in technology adoption.
- +Provides a strong theoretical framework for understanding the digital divide in the context of IoT.
Limitations
It might be difficult to find participants with a truly wide range of digital skills for testing, or to accurately assess their skill levels.
Reliability & validity
The conceptual nature of the paper means reliability and validity are assessed through the coherence of its arguments and the logical connection between its premises and conclusions, rather than empirical measurement.
Think critically
How can designers proactively design for the 'unskilled' user in complex IoT systems without compromising functionality for advanced users?
Design Principles
"Design for diverse digital literacy to ensure equitable access and benefit realization."
Designers must consider the diverse skill sets of potential users when developing IoT products. Failing to do so risks creating systems that are inaccessible to significant portions of the population, thereby widening existing societal divides.
What This Means for Your Design
The Internet of Things (IoT) is cool, but not everyone can use it easily. Some people have the skills and tools to benefit, while others are left behind, creating a new kind of digital divide.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this paper when discussing the importance of user skill levels in your design process, particularly if your project involves emerging technologies like IoT.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The equitable distribution of benefits from emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) is significantly influenced by users' existing digital skills and resources. As highlighted by van Deursen and Mossberger (2018), a 'new digital divide' can emerge, where those with more advanced skills and resources gain disproportionately, while others are further disadvantaged. Therefore, any design project involving IoT must proactively address potential skill gaps through inclusive design strategies and accessible user support.
Source
Policy & Internet
Any Thing for Anyone? A New Digital Divide in Internet‐of‐Things Skills
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about iot skill gaps exacerbate digital divide, limiting user benefits?
- Design for a spectrum of digital literacy, not just the most tech-savvy users, to ensure equitable access to IoT benefits. Evidence: Policy & Internet (2018).
- Why does "IoT Skill Gaps Exacerbate Digital Divide, Limiting User Benefits" matter for design?
- Designers must consider the diverse skill sets of potential users when developing IoT products. Failing to do so risks creating systems that are inaccessible to significant portions of the population, thereby widening existing societal divides.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design for a spectrum of digital literacy, not just the most tech-savvy users, to ensure equitable access to IoT benefits.
- What were the main findings?
- IoT offers significant potential benefits across various sectors like energy, health, and transportation.. The realization of these benefits is contingent upon individual users possessing specific digital skills and resources.. Disparities in skills and resources lead to unequal access to IoT advantages, creating new forms of exclusion.. The autonomous nature of many IoT devices belies a growing need for sophisticated user understanding and strategic engagement.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Policy & Internet.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any IoT product, conduct user research that specifically assesses digital literacy and identify potential barriers to adoption for less experienced users. Develop tiered support and educational resources.
- What are the limitations?
- The paper focuses on the conceptual challenges and does not present empirical data on specific skill gaps or their direct measurement.