The course aims to introduce the students to the use of theories and concepts from social sciences and to apply them in a critical analysis for increasing co-creation in the design and testing of digital solutions and automation initiatives. The course also covers the effects of digital technologies and automation on a societal level with a focus on responsible innovation. In particular, the courses will focus on theories and concepts from the area of Science and Technology Studies (STS), such as Actor-Network Theory (ANT), Social Construction of Technology (SCoT), Sociotechnical Imaginaries (STIs), as well as Sociomateriality and Agential Realism.
Accordingly, the course is structured in two modules: (1) a theory module providing a basic knowledge of STS theories and concepts; (2) a practical module where the students will have to ideate and prototype a digital solution or an automation initiative following the steps of design thinking, critically analyze them through the theories and concepts presented in the theory module of the course, and address the identified issues in a revised prototype.