ICTD
ICTD: Information and Communication Technologies for Development
At I2SC, we conduct interdisciplinary research in Information and Communication Technologies for Development. Our multidisciplinary team uses human-computer interaction, computer science, and international development research to explore digital innovations to tackle socio-economic challenges in low-infrastructure contexts. Our work involves working with populations from different geographies in person or remotely to explore sustainable and appropriate technology. Through our work, we understand the role of innovative technology, we also co-design sustainable technology with our target users, and finally, we may deploy systems to understand the impact of our work. Our work spans diverse domains such as healthcare, education, and community empowerment.
Methods
Qualitative research: This method involves interviews, observations, and content analysis to understand users' experiences, behaviors, and needs deeply. By focusing on rich, contextual data, qualitative research enables our team to uncover nuanced insights that quantitative approaches may overlook. Qualitative research aids in designing technology solutions that are culturally sensitive, socially inclusive, and tailored to specific marginalized communities
Design-based research (DBR): This method offers a structured approach to iteratively designing, developing, and evaluating technological solutions within real-world contexts. We employ participatory design processes with target users to collaboratively create technology that addresses underserved communities' unique needs and challenges. By blending theory with practical design, DBR enhances HCI theories and drives real-world impact on technology adoption.
System Deployments: This method entails the implementation of technological artifacts within real-world settings, aiming to evaluate the impact on socio-economic challenges in marginalized communities. Through these endeavors, we explore the impact on usability, effectiveness, and sustainability of our interventions in diverse cultural contexts. Our results inform the design of culturally sensitive solutions tailored to the specific needs of underserved populations.
Contact
Vikram Kamath Cannanure
cannanure (AT) cs (DOT) uni-saarland (DOT) de
Relevant papers
"Applying Think-Aloud in ICTD: A Case Study of a Chatbot Use by Teachers in Rural Cote d'Ivoire" - Vikram Kamath Cannanure, Sharon Wolf, Kaja Jasińska, Timothy X Brown, Amy Ogan. arXiv preprint arXiv:2501.05840 (2025/1/10).
"Exploring LLMs for Automated Pre-Testing of Cross-Cultural Surveys" - Divya Mani Adhikari, Vikram Kamath Cannanure, Alexander Hartland, Ingmar Weber. arXiv e-prints, arXiv: 2501.05985 (2025/1)
"Understanding the Longitudinal Impact of a Chatbot to Facilitate a Virtual Community of Practice for Teachers in Rural Côte d’Ivoire" - Vikram Kamath Cannanure, Tricia Ngoon, Sharon Wolf, Kaja Jasińska, Timothy X Brown, Amy Ogan. ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies 2 (3), 1-37 (2024/9/16).
"I believe I did not preach into the desert": Opportunities & Challenges in Scaling Teacher Mentorship through Mobile Technology in Rural Côte d'Ivoire - Tricia J Ngoon, Vikram Kamath Cannanure, Kaja Jasinska, Sharon Wolf, Amy Ogan. Proceedings of the Eleventh ACM Conference on Learning@ Scale, 232-242 (2024/7/9).
"We dream of climbing the ladder; to get there, we have to do our job better: Designing for Teacher Aspirations in rural Côte d’Ivoire" - Vikram Kamath Cannanure, Eloísa Ávila-Uribe, Tricia Ngoon, Yves Adji, Sharon Wolf, Kaja Jasińska, Timothy Brown, and Amy Ogan. (Year 2022)