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codeforamerica / civic-tech-patterns

common patterns and anti-patterns for civic tech and civic apps
http://codeforamerica.github.io/civic-tech-patterns
BSD 3-Clause "New" or "Revised" License
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Sympathetic technology #10

Open bensheldon opened 11 years ago

bensheldon commented 11 years ago

A Design Pattern to describe the positive side of "...and it has SMS".

To start with a problem and work through to a technological intervention that is contextualised to the audience or situation. Alternative to taking a technology and seeking a problem to which it can be applied.

Similar to an idea of "progressive enhancement" in which accessible design is the kernel and additional features are added on once the core mechanism has been validated. I.e that it is a problem is the technology and not a failure of action or instruction or outreach or basic values/capacity/competency.

For example, LocalData testing redesigned paper surveys alongside smartphone-based surveys.

bensheldon commented 11 years ago

It's about helping the "client" achieve their goal, not just building what they say they want.

bensheldon commented 11 years ago

I.e. "outcomes over product" and the potential anti-pattern of trying to build a self-contained system.