Approaching Unanticipated Consequences

Abstract

In an ever-changing world, even software that fulfils its requirements may have un-envisioned aftereffects with significant impacts. We explored how such impacts can be better understood at the pre-design phase in support of organisational preparedness. We considered three real-world case studies and engaged with literature from several disciplines to develop a conceptual framework. Across three workshops with industry practitioners and academics creative strategies from speculative design practices were used to prompt engagement with the framework. We found participant groups navigated the model with either a convergent or divergent intent. The academics, operating in an exploratory mode, came to a broad understanding of a class of technologies through its impacts. Operating in an anticipatory mode the industry practitioners came to a specific understanding of a technology's potential in their workplace. The study demonstrated potential for the conceptual framework to be used as a tool with implications for research and practice.