Designing Human Technologies 9.0


Trento, Italy, 29-31 May 2023



About

The doctoral course is a great opportunity for PhD students to discuss their PhD project with peers and senior academic staff and gather feedback on any improvement for their research. We meet to discuss our experiences in relation to doctoral work in the rich and diverse field of designing human technologies. The course is a blend of lectures and discussions in small groups. Invited lectures by senior academic staff present key theories, methodological reflections and novel approaches within the field. 

The course takes place from May 29 to 31, 2023 in Trento, Italy. It is organised by University of Trento in collaboration with Tallinn University, University of Roskilde, IT University of Copenhagen and Reykjavik University. Meals, shared rooms, and local logistics will be provided for up to 20 participants to the doctoral course.

Topic

Designing Human Technologies is a broad (participatory) design-oriented research approach with a central human principle of participation and ethical concerns. Common goals of research activities in this field include being constructive and solution-oriented in close dialogue with citizens and users. Deep analysis of how designs are used and enter the daily life of their users as well as innovative design solutions are the core of this course. The human principle includes involving users and main interest groups in the design and evaluation of the ability of design artefacts to meet the goals. Technology is understood in a broad sense including information and communication technologies, sustainable environmental technologies, energy technologies, and technologies for design in urban, nature, or other spatial settings.

Purpose and format

Small group activities will take place in groups of five doctoral students and two faculty members, discussing the position papers of the students. The group will dedicate one hour to each position paper: divided into 10 minutes of informal presentation and 50 minutes of discussion. Students will present each other’s papers, not their own. In addition, the course provides opportunities for networking with other doctoral students and senior faculty in the field of designing human technologies, thereby enriching relations among those who also attended last year’s editions and providing an entry point for those who did not.

Venue

The course takes place close to Trento. The location of the venue and related information will be provided to the participants. 

Travel to the location is organised from Trento city centre. We expect to leave Trento at 9AM on May 29 and to be back in Trento around 4PM on May 31.

Please refer to this page for information on how to reach Trento: https://international.unitn.it/incoming/how-to-arrive-to-trento

Important dates

Application deadline: April 24, 2023

Applications are to be submitted online. The application form consists of your contact data, short description of your research topic and a short explanation of your motivation for participating in the course.
Link to the application form: https://forms.gle/8kfDJLXUTckad4u16

Notification of admission: April 28, 2023

Notifications will be sent by email, and, if accepted, you’ll be given the full programme and further instructions. Up to 20 PhD students will be admitted to the course.

Position paper submission deadline: May 22, 2023

All participants are expected to submit a position paper (up to 6 pages maximum) elaborating on their research problem, research questions, theories, methods and a selection of achieved and/or expected outcomes. 

Fees

Registration, accommodation, and meals during the doctoral course are covered by the University of Trento. Participants must arrange and pay for their own travel to Trento.

Organizers

Faculty

David Lamas, Tallinn University
Jesper Simonsen, Roskilde University
Marta Kristín Lárusdóttir, Reykjavik University
Merja Bauters, Tallinn University
Mika Yasuoka Jensen, Roskilde University
Vincenzo D’Andrea, University of Trento

Contacts

If you require any further information, feel free to contact: vincenzo.dandrea+DHT@unitn.it

Previous editions