Showing papers presented at "International Conference on Internationalization, Design and Global Development in 2009"

txteagle: Mobile Crowdsourcing

Abstract: We present txteagle, a system that enables people to earn small amounts of money by completing simple tasks on their mobile phone for corporations who pay them in either airtime or MPESA (mobile money). The system is currently being launched in Kenya and Rwanda in collaboration with the mobile phone service providers Safaricom and MTN Rwanda. Tasks include translation, transcription, and surveys. User studies in Nairobi involving high school students, taxi drivers, and local security guards have been completed and the service has recently launched in Kenya nationwide.

Mobile-Banking Adoption and Usage by Low-Literate, Low-Income Users in the Developing World

Abstract: Due to the increasing penetration of mobile phones even in poor communities, mobile-phone-enabled banking (m-banking) services are being increasingly targeted at the "unbanked" to bring formal financial services to the poor Research in understanding actual usage and adoption by this target population, though, is sparse There appear to be a number of issues which prevent low-income, low-literate populations from meaningfully adopting and using existing m-banking services This paper examines variations across countries in adoption and usage of existing m-banking services by low-literate, low-income individuals and possible factors responsible for the same It is observed that variations are along several parameters: household type, services adopted, pace of uptake, frequency of usage, and ease of use Each of these observations is followed by a set of explanatory factors that mediate adoption and usage

Cross-Cultural Analysis of Social Network Services in Japan, Korea, and the USA

Abstract: The techniques of cross-cultural analysis of Websites based on culture models are used to examine user-interface components (the metaphors, mental models, navigation, interaction, and appearance) of social networking sites in three countries. The authors note and evaluate patterns of similarity and difference in the Website designs that seem to link social networking sites by culture dimensions.

Examining the Usage and Impact of Transformational M-Banking in Kenya

Abstract: Since its introduction in March of 2007, the M-PESA application has acquired a user base of over five million, and an agent network of over five thousand. Because of its rapid growth, the application has received a significant amount of attention. There have been assertions that it can engender transformational benefits by providing the unbanked with new opportunities to access financial services. There is, however, very little discussion of what these transformational benefits are and how they are engendered. This paper will contribute to filling this gap in the literature. It will draw from ethnographic fieldwork that was deployed over a period of fourteen months in two locations--an informal settlement near Nairobi and a farming village in Western Kenya. It will show that the M-PESA application was utilized for the cultivation of livelihood strategies. Such strategies helped residents to cope with (temporarily adjust) and recover from (longer term shifts in livelihood strategies) stresses and shocks. The outcomes of these strategies will also be discussed.

The Impact of Culture on the Design of Arabic Websites

Abstract: This paper discusses issues regarding the influence of culture on Arabic Websites. Arabic Websites from three countries serve as an initial sample for this study. Do the Websites of Arabian countries reflect their culture? How specifically? Do they share attitudes about design? Can an Arabian designer achieve what users in other cultures need and want? What are differences reflected in the differences between Arabic countries in the Eastern world and Western countries? This paper discusses these and other issues.

Cross-Culture and Website Design: Cultural Movements and Settled Cultural Variables

Abstract: This paper reports on research carried out to determine the settled as well as other types of cultural markers including interface design elements and cultural dimensions that are appropriate to be used for cultural-centered website design and localization. For this, research discussed in this paper builds upon the existing body of research in website design and anthropologists' cultural dimensions. The research was performed in two phases: a first study was carried out to re-evaluate some pre-researched websites, and the second study was performed to evaluate and rank anthropologist's cultural dimensions. The findings of both research studies were evaluated and compared against earlier research results in order to provide insight into the evolution of the use of cultural markers. The results, a grouping of the cultural markers into 5 levels can be used for designing cultural-centered websites.

A Study of Service Innovation Design in Cultural and Creative Industry

Abstract: Service design is considered to be one of the pivotal components in cultural and creative design industries which has a significant impact on consumer perception of innovation. Despite service design's recognized importance, cultural and creative industries lack a systematic approach to it. Therefore, based on the "Taiwan experience", this paper proposes a service innovation design model and provides examples illustrating how to transfer cultural features into service design, and design these cultural features into modern products to reinforce their design value. Results presented herein create an interface for looking at the way service innovation design crosses over cultures, as well as illustrating the interwoven experience of service design and cultural creativity in the innovation design process.

How Mobile Money Can Drive Financial Inclusion for Women at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) in Indian Urban Centers

Abstract: This paper looks at challenges and opportunities on how mobile money can drive financial inclusion for women at the BOP (Bottom of the Pyramid) in urban Indian centers. We explore the current ecosystem of financial transactions and the role of women in a BOP household. Specifically we look at how this ecosystem differs based on how long ago they migrated from rural India and how that impacts their financial transactions. By understanding the gaps and the barriers, we outline specific challenges and opportunities for driving financial inclusion for women, through mobile money. We also posit that the success of mobile money depends on whether the 'solution' moves away from the paradigms used for designing mobile money solutions for those at the top of pyramid.

Cultural Aspect of Interaction Design beyond Human-Computer Interaction

Abstract: Over the past several decades, we have made many efforts to understand Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). But beyond HCI, we need a better understanding of Human-Culture Interaction not just for taking part in the cultural context, but also for developing the interactive experience of users. Therefore we propose a general framework for cultural product experience that applies to the mental models of designer and user and which can be experienced in Human-Culture Interaction. Then, based on the interactive experience of users with an aboriginal cultural object, the Linnak (a twin drinking cup), a modern Linnak was proposed to demonstrate how to design a successful cultural product using the human-culture interaction framework. The intended purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for examining the way designers interact across cultures and the interactive experience of users in the design process.

A Systematic Review of Technologies Designed to Improve and Assist Cognitive Decline for Both the Current and Future Aging Populations

Abstract: This paper serves as a literature review focused on understanding the technologies available for all aging populations. It also presents some limitations involved in providing alternative health care and discusses some considerations to designing technologies for future aging populations.

Personalizing the Shared Mobile Phone

Abstract: Sharing mobile phones, an enduring practice in developing nations, finds insufficient empirical effort or theoretical scrutiny as a sociological phenomena. Predominant conceptions of design for a mobile phone are aimed at independent and private behaviour as the device is perceived and designed to be a private object for personal use. In this paper we draw attention to the need for designing personalized spaces within the shared or familial culture around the mobile phone. We report on a qualitative case-study of shared mobile phones in low-middle income families in Mumbai city and Dharamshala, reframing personal communication devices as shared objects.

Perceptions on Interaction Design in Malaysia

Abstract: Even though researchers have introduced Human Computer Interaction (HCI) methodologies, since 1980's, Malaysia's user interface is still considered inadequate. Despite being aware of the importance of usable design, several non-technical issues have more significant influence towards poorly designed user interfaces in Malaysia. This paper reports the findings of a study of interaction design and/or any HCI methodologies in practice among Malaysian companies for software design and computer-related design development. The research involved senior Information Communication Technology (ICT) managers and focused on the application developers, whose job descriptions and responsibilities vary. The study used semi-structured interviews and a focus group study to uncover the current perceptions of people involved in ICT project development. The findings serve as a pointer to the Malaysian government and stakeholders towards the improvement of user interface design.

Cultural Representation for Multi-culture Interaction Design

Abstract: This research works towards the integration of cultural factors in global information systems like the Web or digital libraries to enhance global access to information and services. In this context, we study cultural differences in categorization and classification by means of card sorting experiments in combination with observations and interviews. An initial analysis of data collected in Pakistan and UK reveals a number of differences between Pakistani and British participants as to how they classify every-day objects. The differences found suggest a number of design solutions for cultural inclusion.

Factors Affecting Online Game Players' Loyalty

Abstract: In the past decade, online games have become an important electronic commerce application. A good understanding of customer online game behaviors is critical for both researchers and practitioners, such as game vendors and game developers. Many researchers focus their studies on the consumers' intention to play online games. However, the industry becomes more and more interested in the key factors to retain customers. To tackle the retention problem, this paper proposes a research framework of online game play loyalty. Based on this framework, thirteen hypotheses were developed and tested through a survey in U.S. universities. Overall, the results indicate the following: 1) Online game technology factors, such as the game story, game graphics, game length, game control and online game services, have significant impact on players' game enjoyment; 2) Game enjoyment and social norms have positive effects on intention to play; 3) Social norms, quality of online game community and intention to play are important predictors of online game loyalty.

Designing for a Dialogic View of Interpretation in Cross-Cultural IT Design

Abstract: To search for ways of better communicating the intended meanings to culturally diverse users, this paper uses Bakhtin's concept of dialogicality and its application to examine how interpretation functions in cross-cultural design. It argues for a dialogical view of interpretation based on the genre notion with its features of situatedness and dynamism. This view of interpretation connects action and meaning in cross-cultural IT design and makes a design appealing to a local context without stereotyping the local culture in an essentialist fashion.

This Is Who I Am and This Is What I Do: Demystifying the Process of Designing Culturally Authentic Technology

Abstract: The goal of this paper is to bridge the gap between existing frameworks for the design of culturally relevant educational technology. Models and guidelines that provide potential frameworks for designing culturally authentic learning environment are explained and transposed into one comprehensive design framework, understanding that integrating culture into the design of educational technology promotes learning and a more authentic user experience. This framework establishes principles that promote a holistic approach to design.

Culture and Co-experience: Cultural Variation of User Experience in Social Interaction and Its Implications for Interaction Design

Abstract: The notion of how multi-users experience technology as a group has opened important vistas in interaction design. Even though literature in cultural anthropology and cognitive psychology implies cultural influence on user experience in social interaction, a cross-cultural notion has, however, been overlooked in this area. This paper aims at exploring relationship between culture and a social aspect of user experience, in a catchier term, "co-experience," drawing on the concept of "role-takings" by following the framework in symbolic interactionism. Based on literature review, we build the conceptual framework of how role-takings vary in different cultures and how the variations can shape different co-experience. In order to illustrate how this framework can be applied in a real design case, a novel interactive system called "Visual-talk table" is introduced. In so doing, we argue how the framework and the design experiment with this technology can serve as a tool to facilitate cultural aspect of social interaction in designing especially tangible and ubiquitous interaction.

Cross Cultural Computer Gaming

Abstract: Computer game development is a rapidly growing global business. However, research in the understanding of the global user is lacking. This paper presents a survey of recent research on cross cultural game development. The paper proposes a cross cultural hybrid model to carry out user modeling to assist developers in understanding the cultural nuances of end users.

Identifying and Measuring Cultural Differences in Cross-Cultural User-Interface Design

Abstract: This paper is investigating the role of culture in cross-cultural user interface design, and particularly focused on e-banking user-interface design. The results of this research are presented in two phases. The first phase is focused on the development of a cultural model that has some HCI factors. The second phase introduces the Cross-Use experiment that aims to evaluate the mapping between website design elements and cultural attributes using a user-in-context evaluation approach. This is done by developing three User Interface designs, and applying them to 63 local participants from the case study cultures (Brazil, Kuwait, Egypt, and UK). The experiment was conducted using the developed prototypes was able to classify cultures differently, and highlighted those design markers that affects cultural differences in the design of e-banking websites. This is based on user preferences and usability.

Internationalization and Localization of Websites: Navigation in English Language and Chinese Language Sites

Abstract: Guidelines exist for the internationalization and localization of websites, but these do not mention possible changes in the layout of navigational elements on websites. Two studies were conducted to investigate the importance of navigational layout for Chinese and English language speakers. In the first study it was found that major Chinese and North American/European companies did not significantly adapt the navigation on their websites in relation to the target linguistic/cultural market. In the second study it was found that there were significant difference in the preferences of Chinese and English native speakers for navigational layout on websites. The implications of these studies are discussed.

Cyber Society and Cooperative Cyber Defence

Abstract: Emergence of cyber societies places new emphasis on the protection of information and information services. The paper provides a definition for the concept of information that is based on the concept of knowledge and a definition for cyber society, which encompasses the relationship between a society of humans and a network of computers. Estonia and the cyber attacks of spring 2007 are briefly examined as an example of an early cyber society under cyber attack. Finally, the role and principles of the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence are explained.

Mobile Remittances: Design for Financial Inclusion

Abstract: This paper investigates the design requirements for international mobile remittances in the context of users' money management and control in the household and the family Through scenarios that draw on remittance literature, the paper suggests five design principles for mobile remittances that could be a US$ 41 billion market while empowering women, varying patterns of money management and control in transnational families and aiding financial inclusion

Supportive Web Design for Users from Different Culture Origins in E-Commerce

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation of supportive design features for users from different cultural origins in global e-commerce sites applying the principles of human computer interaction to web interface design. This investigation was necessitated from a need to establish an understanding of the barriers in the implementation of e-business on a global level. The paper begins with an overview of current business-to-user (B2C) e-commerce implementation on the web, and then describes cultural issues in the global e-commerce.

Cultural Dimensions in User Preferences and Behaviors of Mobile Phones and Interpretation of National Cultural Differences

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the differences in user behaviors and cultural tendencies which will develop a cultural evaluation frame work for mobile phone design among countries in the mobile telecommunication market. Cultural taxonomy helps the understanding of cultural differences. To help understand the Asian market more clearly, a brief overview of Geert Hofstede's findings (Individualism, Uncertainty avoidance, Power distance, Masculinity, and Long-term orientation) and the K.P. Lee's Cultural Variables (Way of Task Handling, Temporal Perception, Conception of Nature, Adherence to rules, Relationship with Human, Nature of Human Activity, Message Contexting, and Expression of Emotion) for the index of different cultures was used in this study. This research is based on an online survey in three countries (Korea, China and Japan), summarizing the responses of questionnaire about user preferences, and behavioral perceptions of UI Design of mobile phones. The result of this research identified the differences and similarities among countries clearly, reorganized the cultural variables. After comparing values of author's value from online survey and two other variables, this study found that Hofstede's and KP Lee's are very meaningful to identify cultural-based national characteristics. This verifies that differences of usage behavior and preference for mobile phone reflect cultural perspectives. This cultural research is the key to understanding these needs and to providing the companies with advanced market positioning. This study should not stop at a simple cross-national comparison but be a cultural comparison framework for giving companies a clear future direction for globalization-based design development.

A Case Study in Community-Driven Translation of a Fast-Changing Website

Abstract: Facebook's translation tool allows users (translators) to click on a phrase as they browse the site, and inline see the original native string, vote on translations suggested by their peers or offer their own. We offer an innovative approach to web site internationalization that leverages a unique infrastructure and a dedicated user community to keep our interface up-to-date in translation.

Cultural Interface Design Advisor Tool: Research Methodology and Practical Development Efforts

Abstract: Within the cultural user interface design research and development project we address the need in culturally appropriate user interface design that is brought up by globalization. Globalization is affecting most computer-mediated communication and, in particular, user interface design for the Internet applications. To address this need, we are building a cultural "look and feel" advisor tool that is based on the research study utilizing cultural analysis of a large number of websites for a particular locale. This paper addresses the research methodology we employed in manual evaluation of specific cultural markers on a large set of country-specific websites and reports on several important aspects of transferring our research results into the practical implementation of the cultural design advisor tool.

Intercultural Usability Surveys: Do People Always Tell The Truth?

Abstract: Researchers have identified many ways that culture affects usability methods --- interviews, moderated tests, think-aloud protocols, and card sorts. This paper reviews some of that literature and discusses a project investigating the effect of culture on usability surveys.

Affordable Wireless Connectivity Linking Poor Latin American Communities Binding Their Schools by Sharing ICT Training for Maestros of Primary Schools

Abstract: A very poor neighborhood in Argentina that has many features of lower middle class is called "barrio carenciado". Many heads of the families are unemployed and although children have access to schools it is common that they do not finish their basic instruction. In many cases NGOs play a fundamental role in changing this reality. In this presentation we detail the implementation of a test bed where 14 families and a school were provided with computers, Internet access and were educated out of digital illiteracy. Connectivity was provided by Wireless Mesh Networking (WMN). The research project, was carried out by a group of researchers from the Universidad de La Plata with different backgrounds in collaboration with the NGO Barrios del Plata (a chapter of Muhammad Yunus's Grameen Bank). The study monitored the changes in families' life (in particularly children education and parents opportunities related to obtaining work). The deployment of WMN in a such a broad area, aimed to define the possible lowest cost implementation, and conforms an important part of the research activities. The school #502, originally a node of the WMN, has become a "Laboratory for the use of innovative methodologies in ICT training of primary school teachers". The project was financed through an award given in a public competition by Microsoft research and CentralTech, a leading Argentinean educational center.

Balancing Separateness and Jointness of Money in Relationships: The Design of Bank Accounts in Australia and India

Abstract: Personal bank accounts are an important way of signaling the separation, ownership, control and management of money. They are however a blunt instrument for balancing the separateness and jointness of money in relationships. This paper draws on the author's research on money and banking in Australia and India to describe the ways in which middle-income urban families in Australia and India use bank accounts in personal relationships. The paper points to ways that bank account holders can retain control by setting the limits to which information and money in the account can be shared with a designated person for a set time limit. It is submitted that having this partial shared account, together with existing personal accounts, will fit social practice, and help reflect the changing balance of separateness and jointness of money across a person's life stage.

Cross-Cultural Understanding of the Dual Structure of Metaphorical Icons: An Explorative Study with French and Turkish Users on an E-Learning Site

Abstract: Research on the cross-cultural understanding of different interface aspects is an area of growing interest in human-computer interaction discipline This paper mainly investigates the influence of culture on understanding metaphors in graphical user interfaces Considering the dual coded structure of compound metaphorical icons which is composed of two major units: image and label, this study evaluates the main hypothesis that understanding of graphical and textual elements of the metaphors differs due to the real world and language experiences of the users An empirical study on a French e-learning site -based on a spatial "Campus" metaphor- was conducted with 68 Turkish and French students The study applied a multi-method approach including data collection instruments like questionnaires for understanding of metaphorical icons and interview Findings do suggest differences in understanding across the two cultural groups and provide an in-depth analysis on the process of cross-cultural understanding of metaphors by focusing on the metaphorical inconsistencies