In the presentation "Innovation Through Gender in Computing: “Starting from Scratch”, Nana Kesewaa Dankwa will present the benefits of considering gender in smart home technological innovation, as well as the dangers and drawbacks.

“Starting from Scratch” directs research focus to the early stages of smart home technological innovation. Research needs to look beyond finding biases in existing technology and look at gender\diversity driven technological innovation. The essence of gender\diversity as front runners in smart home technological innovation cannot be overstated. The home remains one of the most gendered environments and smart home marketing imagery is often of a white middle working-class family with a child or two. Smart home devices must be designed to cater to diverse users and needs. Gender\diversity driven technological innovation addresses biases, stereotypes, oppression and the digital divide. This means collaboratively working with diverse users to innovate smart technology and integrate gender and diversity aspects in technology.

For further information and full program of the symposium visit the Gendering MINT Digital website.

For more information on Nana Kesewaa Dankwa's research, see INTeGER project.