Young People as Co-Researchers and
Co-Designers of TAS
THE CHALLENGE
A Non-Inclusive Tech System
Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (TAS) involve software applications, machines, and people that have the potential to take actions with little or no human supervision.
We assume that trustworthy autonomous systems (TAS) will make our future better.
But WHOSE future does TAS improve?
Right now, the design of TAS is not inclusive.
Technology created to assist rarely involves those it imagines as the user in the processes of research, design and creation.
Co-production
Involvement and collaboration at all stages is important in setting inclusive and equitable agendas for TAS, so together, we can create systems that matter and work for everyone.
Researchers from the Universities of Sheffield and York worked with nine students from Greenacre Special School to explore how young people could be co-producers of trustworthy autonomous systems.
Co-production was at the heart of the project, with Greenacre students working as co-researchers alongside social researchers and computer scientists.
Greenacre students explored the idea of TRUST in a trustworthy autonomous systemwho is involved in the design and the creation of technology, do we trust the technology itself and are we as users trusted to have a say in the process.
Our research team also questioned assumptions about the kinds of technology that are desirable and important. This included play, fun and supporting the important people around us as central.
Our research team built long-lasting, trusting relationships. We did this through flexible workshops and collaborative teamwork where we asked BIG questions. We also attended immersive field trips where we questioned scientists and tried out the latest tech.
