COMPASS - Cooperative Design Spaces for Next Generation Internet-of-Things Solutions

The Internet of Things (IoT) is driven by technological opportunism, characterised by the promise of ubiquitous connectivity. This makes it a major challenge to create meaningful technology for people. While some applications have succeeded in creating value for people, businesses and society, many others are reminders that not everything that can be done need be, or should be, done.

Business-oriented approaches to human-centred and responsible technology innovation and design were investigated based on an analysis of socio-technological negotiation spaces.

Six stakeholder interviews with representatives from industry (large companies and SMEs) and public administration were conducted and evaluated to identify the status quo. The results were compiled in an empirical study on value-based technology development in the field of IoT, taking into account the influence and understanding of social, political and technological values between society and technology.

Another focus was placed on university education by integrating digital humanities and social technology design aspects in topics for Bachelor's and Master's thesis as well as courses in the computer science curriculum.

The project team also explored participative formats designed to create negotiation spaces in the development of IoT solutions. Two of these formats were elaborated and implemented as examples.

A technical probe was developed together with a start-up company to enable critical examination of potential fields of innovation. The developed concept shows how companies can drive their innovations in specific target contexts by considering societal aspects and involving potential users.
The project also aimed to address policy makers and make both general and specific policy recommendations for regulating the IoT sector.

A key aspect of the project was to promote public discourse on responsible technology development by organising and participating in relevant events designed to share the topics discussed in the project with the wider public.

Consortium lead

AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Digital Safety & Security

Other consortium partners

• University of Vienna, Cooperative Systems Group
• TU Wien, Human Computer Interaction Group
• Research Institute
• OCG Österreichische Computer Gesellschaft

AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology
Center for Digital Safety & Security
Dr. Mario Drobics
Giefinggasse 4
1210 Vienna