Appropriation of Technology as a Creative Process

Abstract

The developers of software create software, and the users of software engage in a process of its appropriation. This article describes how these processes can be analyzed within a framework based on systems theory. At least three areas are worthy of attention: The distinction between use of software and use of``hard'' technology; the appropriation of software at managerial level and creativity as a recursive process in multi-level systems. It is hoped that this framework might provide a useful research tool in furthering understanding of the creative process occurring in software applications.

Expressivity of creativity and creative design considerations in digital games

“…Creativity as appropriation included the different ways in which gameplay could be appropriated and included finding new uses for existing game mechanics, creating new challenges and using glitches. It has been argued that appropriation and creativity go hand in hand, where appropriation is a creative process in which users are able to go beyond the affordances of a particular technology, defining and reinventing the user experience (Degele, 1997). Finding new uses for existing game mechanics was one example of how gameplay was appropriated by players.…”

A Motivationally Oriented Approach to Understanding Game Appropriation

“…However, the concept of appropriation has been used inconsistently signifying either contextual changes (Carroll et al, 2002;Carroll et al, 2003;Jamison & Hard, 2003) or actual implementation practices (Bar et al, 2007;Brown & Perry, 2000;Degele, 1997). In this article, both perspectives are considered essential when defining appropriation as they provide exclusive information for better understanding the totality of appropriation.…”

“…In Jamison and Hard's terminology, the nature of appropriation corresponds to the alterations implemented in the discursive, institutional, and practical level of technology's use. The nature of appropriation is characterized by creativity (Degele, 1997).…”

“…The material and technical potentials of a technology that are shaped during its production pertain to specific uses and constraints. For instance, when using a phone, little space is given for appropriation and creation by use, as a result of technology's shaping (Degele, 1997). However, when an artifact is appropriated, it is implied that technological design does not fully define use.…”

Multiple perspectives criteria of Open Source Software appropriation: A case study of a city council

“…This is a gap addressed by technology appropriation studies. There have been several studies on technology appropriation [8][9][10], the suitability of these models for OSS has not been studied.…”