Short answer

When designing for emerging industries, anticipate that technology adoption will be an ongoing negotiation between users and the organizational environment, influenced by a network of actors.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: IFIP advances in information and communication technology (2013)
Method: Theoretical analysis using Structuration Theory (specifically Giddens' and Stones' refinements) and Actor-Network Theory (ANT).
Evidence: Moderate effect

Successful technology assimilation in rapidly evolving industries requires understanding how individual actions (micro-level) interact with broader organizational and market structures (meso/macro-level) and the influence of diverse stakeholders. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in IFIP advances in information and communication technology. Using Theoretical analysis using structuration theory (specifically giddens' and stones' refinements) and actor-network theory (ant)., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for emerging industries, anticipate that technology adoption will be an ongoing negotiation between users and the organizational environment, influenced by a network of actors.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Technology assimilation in emerging industries is shaped by dynamic interplay of micro and macro forces.

IFIP advances in information and communication technology · 2013

Key Findings

01Technology assimilation is a continuous process of structuration, where human actions both reproduce and transform organizational structures.
02The success or failure of technology assimilation is contingent on the dynamic interaction between micro-level agency and meso/macro-level structures.
03Actor-Network Theory highlights the importance of heterogeneous actors (human and non-human) in shaping the trajectory of technological innovation and assimilation.

Application

Design takeaway

When designing for emerging industries, anticipate that technology adoption will be an ongoing negotiation between users and the organizational environment, influenced by a network of actors.

How to apply

Before launching a new technology in a nascent market, map out the key actors and organizational structures that will influence its adoption. Consider how the design can facilitate positive interactions and adaptation.

Project actions

01When researching user needs, consider not just individual preferences but also the broader organizational culture and existing processes.
02Think about how your design might be adapted or repurposed by users, and how this could impact its intended function.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the contextual factors influencing technology assimilation within a sunrise industry, examining the interplay between micro-level structuration and macro-level structures.

MethodTheoretical analysis using Structuration Theory (specifically Giddens' and Stones' refinements) and Actor-Network Theory (ANT).

ProcedureThe study employed Stones' Strong Structuration Theory (SST) to analyze the micro-level structuration process and its impact on meso/macro-level structures. Actor-Network Theory (ANT) was used to examine the role of heterogeneous actors in adapting to technological innovations and changing contexts.

ContextSunrise industry characterized by macro-economic changes, rapid technological innovations, emerging industry practices, and shifting organizational contexts.

Variables

IV["Contextual factors (macro-economic changes, technological innovations, industry practices, organizational contexts)","Micro-level structuration (human agency)","Meso/macro-level structures (organizational rules and resources)","Role of heterogeneous actors"]

DV["Technology assimilation process","Successes and failures of technology adoption"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a robust theoretical framework for understanding complex technology adoption processes.
+Integrates multiple theoretical perspectives (SST and ANT) for a comprehensive analysis.

Limitations

It can be challenging to fully capture the complex interplay of micro and macro forces in a limited design project. Focusing on a specific aspect of this interaction might be more feasible.

Reliability & validity

The theoretical nature of the study means reliability and validity are assessed through the coherence and applicability of the chosen theoretical frameworks (SST and ANT) rather than empirical replication. The strength of the findings lies in their explanatory power.

Think critically

How might a design be intentionally structured to encourage or discourage specific forms of user adaptation and organizational change?

Design Principles

"Technology adoption is a socio-technical process, not purely a technical one."

Designers and engineers developing new technologies for sunrise industries must consider not only the technology itself but also the complex web of organizational, market, and human factors that will influence its adoption and success. A holistic approach, accounting for both individual user behavior and systemic influences, is crucial for effective product development and implementation.

What This Means for Your Design

When you create new technology for a new industry, remember that people using it will change how they use it based on their jobs and the company rules, and this will also change the rules and how the technology is used over time. It's a two-way street.

How to use in your project

1.Use the concepts of structuration theory to analyze how users might interact with and modify your design, and how this interaction shapes the design's success.
2.Apply Actor-Network Theory to identify all the different people, systems, and even physical objects that will influence your design's journey from concept to widespread use.

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Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights that technology assimilation in dynamic environments is a continuous process of structuration, where micro-level user actions interact with and transform meso/macro-level organizational structures. Therefore, design solutions must anticipate and accommodate this dynamic interplay, recognizing the influence of heterogeneous actors in shaping the technology's trajectory.

Source

IFIP advances in information and communication technology

Organizational Assimilation of Technology in a Sunrise Industry – A Story of Successes and Failures

journal · 2013

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Questions About This Research

What does the research say about technology assimilation in emerging industries is shaped by dynamic interplay of micro and macro forces?: When designing for emerging industries, anticipate that technology adoption will be an ongoing negotiation between users and the organizational environment, influenced by a network of actors. Evidence: IFIP advances in information and communication technology (2013).
Why does "Technology assimilation in emerging industries is shaped by dynamic interplay of micro and macro forces." matter for design?: Designers and engineers developing new technologies for sunrise industries must consider not only the technology itself but also the complex web of organizational, market, and human factors that will influence its adoption and success. A holistic approach, accounting for both individual user behavior and systemic influences, is crucial for effective product development and implementation.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing for emerging industries, anticipate that technology adoption will be an ongoing negotiation between users and the organizational environment, influenced by a network of actors.
What were the main findings?: Technology assimilation is a continuous process of structuration, where human actions both reproduce and transform organizational structures.. The success or failure of technology assimilation is contingent on the dynamic interaction between micro-level agency and meso/macro-level structures.. Actor-Network Theory highlights the importance of heterogeneous actors (human and non-human) in shaping the trajectory of technological innovation and assimilation.
What research method was used?: Theoretical analysis using Structuration Theory (specifically Giddens' and Stones' refinements) and Actor-Network Theory (ANT)..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from IFIP advances in information and communication technology.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Before launching a new technology in a nascent market, map out the key actors and organizational structures that will influence its adoption. Consider how the design can facilitate positive interactions and adaptation.
What are the limitations?: The study is primarily theoretical and does not present empirical data from a specific case. The application of complex theories might require significant interpretation for practical design scenarios.