Abstract
This chapter describes four co-design software project areas worked on with Aboriginal Australian communities, extending over many years. With an Aboriginal community as the innovative partner in these software developments we found benefits both for community self-value and in changing how we relate to technology and social designs, and contribute collectively to wellbeing. The process and outcomes of each project are evaluated using participatory action research to identify key features. These include evolving relationships and providing community control over the software design and development, and the crucial value of diverse relationships and protocols for culturally appropriate computing transference. Finally described are guidance for technologists to step with a deeper care with and for Aboriginal communities to support project success. This is critical considering the historical dispossession of land, forced removal of Aboriginal peoples from their country, and their various institutionalisations, having reduced peoples’ engagement and willingness to participate in software design and development (Radoll, 2015).
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Indigenous Engineering for an Enduring Culture |
Editors | Cat Kutay, Elyssebeth Leigh, Juliana K. Prpic, Lydnon Ormand-Parker |
Place of Publication | U.K. |
Publisher | Cambridge Scholars Publishing |
Pages | 526-564 |
Number of pages | 39 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781527587595 |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |