Becoming In/dependent: An Assemblage Analysis of Technical Design from Below

Abstract

In this chapter we investigate the resistance of two tech-savvy speech and mobility impaired users to increased attempts at digitalising their communication devices. Though these informants are keen users of technology and accommodate various types to increase their ability to become independent, they are also highly critical of the technologies they are continuously confronted with. Through in-depth ethnography, we suggest a context-sensitive approach when introducing new technology, for people who are not always able to communicate and express what they mean directly. We believe that we need to be attentive to what is being introduced, as well as to what is taken away from the assemblage of speech and mobility impaired users and their technologies. In a society that is increasingly streamlining services and communication towards digital technologies, we need to be attentive to users’ resistance, and how digitalisation might hinder people’s ability to become independent.