Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
At times, technical investigations—particularly of the first form—may seem similar to empir-
ical investigations insofar as both involve technological and empirical activity. However, they dif-
fer markedly on their unit of analysis. Technical investigations focus on the technology itself.
Empirical investigations focus on the individuals, groups, or larger social systems that configure,
use, or are otherwise affected by the technology.
VALUE SENSITIVE DESIGN IN PRACTICE: THREE CASE STUDIES
To illustrate Value Sensitive Design's integrative and iterative tripartite methodology, we draw on
three case studies with real-world applications, one completed and two under way. Each case
study represents a unique design space.
Cookies and Informed Consent in Web Browsers
Informed consent provides a critical protection for privacy, and supports other human values such
as autonomy and trust. Yet currently there is a mismatch between industry practice and the pub-
lic's interest. According to a recent report from the Federal Trade Commission (2000), for exam-
ple, 59 percent of Web sites that collect personal identifying information neither inform Internet
users that they are collecting such information nor seek the users' consent. Yet, according to a
Harris poll (2000), 88 percent of users want sites to garner their consent in such situations.
Against this backdrop, Friedman, Felten, and their colleagues (Friedman et al., 2002; Friedman
et al., 2000; Millett et al., 2001) sought to design Web-based interactions that support informed
consent in a Web browser through the development of new technical mechanisms for cookie man-
agement. This project was an early proof-of-concept project for Value Sensitive Design, which we
use here to illustrate several key features of the methodology.
Conceptualizing the Value
One part of a conceptual investigation entails a philosophically informed analysis of the central
value constructs. Accordingly, Friedman et al. began their project with a conceptual investigation
of informed consent itself. They drew on diverse literature, such as the Belmont Report, which
delineates ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects (Belmont Report,
1978; Faden and Beauchamp, 1986), to develop criteria for informed consent in online interac-
tions. In brief, the idea of “informed” encompasses disclosure and comprehension. “Disclosure”
refers to providing accurate information about the benefits and harms that might reasonably be
expected from the action under consideration. “Comprehension” refers to the individual's accu-
rate interpretation of what is being disclosed. In turn, the idea of “consent” encompasses volun-
tariness, comprehension, and agreement. “Voluntariness” refers to ensuring that the action is not
controlled or coerced. “Comprehension” refers to possessing the mental, emotional, and physical
capabilities needed to be capable of giving informed consent. “Agreement” refers to a reasonably
clear opportunity to accept or decline to participate. Moreover, agreement should be ongoing; that
is, the individual should be able to withdraw from the interaction at any time. See Friedman,
Millet, and Felten (2000) for an expanded discussion of these five criteria.
Using a Conceptual Investigation to Analyze Existing Technical Mechanisms
With a conceptualization for informed consent online in hand, Friedman et al. conducted a retrospec-
tive analysis (one form of a technical investigation) of how the cookie and Web browser technology
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