%0 Journal Article
%A Kristensen, Rasmus Gammelby
%A Børsen, Tom Holmgaard
%T Barriers for Inclusion of User Practices in Technology Development in Blue Denmark
%J TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation
%V 18
%N 3
%P 631-640
%D 2024
%U ./Article_Barriers_for_Inclusion_of_User_Kristensen,71,1437.html
%X As the world collectively looks to technology to drive sustainable transition and salvage what is left of our world, users are increasingly exposed to technological solutions claimed to drive sustainable transition. These solutions are rarely developed with an offset in their practice, and this is a challenge as technology can only aid in deconstructing the climate crisis if end-user practices are reflected in the technical solutions. Nothing is gained if no one is motivated or able to pick up these solutions. Sustainability is rarely used in conjunction with how end-users will adopt and utilize technology. Wasted or inefficient distribution of resources should be addressed to optimize and increase the chances of a green transition. This also holds for the maritime sector in Denmark, where technology development is limited to the applicability of technological artifacts without taking notice of end-user practices. This paper applies qualitative ethnographic research to show that there is a disconnect between, on the one hand, funders, technology developers, and decision-makers and, on the other hand, technology end-users and practitioners in the Danish maritime sector. The first does not consider the latter's perspective even though it is claimed important. We argue that if technology is to replace or assist any human practice and solve for example the climate crises, then knowledge of users’ practices must be key to developing technological solutions for sustainable development. During the ethnographic work, the stage of funding the development of sustainable technology was observed to be the very first point in the path of technological development, where user inclusion should be considered. Therein lies the connection to sustainability: If users are omitted, technology cannot effectively and positively assist sustainable transition.
%@ 2083-6473
%R 10.12716/1001.18.03.17