CENS Technical Seminar Series

The Neighborhood Networks Project: Exploring Robotics and Sensing Through Participatory Design

Invited Speaker: Carl DiSalvo
Date: February 27, 2009
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Venue: Boelter Hall 4760

Abstract

Neighborhood Networks is an ongoing project that combines participatory design, community arts, engineering and informal learning research to explore how communities might make use of robotics and sensing technologies. Over the past two years, we have worked closely with communities in Pittsburgh PA to collaboratively develop a series of neighborhood technology programs. Through these programs, neighborhood residents and organizational leaders together have produced numerous conceptual designs of robotics and sensing applications.

In this talk, I will present an overview of the Neighborhood Networks project to date and highlight two aspects of the research. First, I will discuss the various methods and tools we are developing for engaging communities with robotics and sensing. Second I will discuss the opportunities and limitations of robotics and sensing we have encountered, as both applicable technologies and as conceptual devices for discovering and articulating issues of concern. I will conclude by discussing how this research is leading us to think about new kinds and purposes of participatory design.

Biography

Carl DiSalvo is an Assistant Professor of Digital Media in the School of Literature, Communication and Culture at Georgia Tech. He earned a PhD in Design from Carnegie Mellon University in 2006 and was a visiting fellow in The Studio for Creative Inquiry and The Center for the Arts in Society from 2006-2007. His work explores the intersection of design, art, technology, learning and advocacy, particularly in urban contexts. His current research is focused on the design of participatory programs and technology that foster technology fluency with robotics, environmental sensing and mapping.