Lost in translation? Critical reflection on qualitative approaches for informing information systems design

Abstract

While information systems (IS) researchers continue to debate over the most appropriate qualitative approaches to inform IS design, an underlying concern remains over the process of translation from the rich insights generated by these approaches to the systems that are finally built. This paper critically reflects on this concern and points to the need for IS researchers to be more sensitive to the assumption that technology will always be the end-point of their activities. It also argues for more professional and ethical consideration over whether information systems insights are ultimately contributing positively or negatively to the evolution of contemporary organisations and society.