User-Centric Technology Design for Nonprofit and Civic Engagements

Due to the increased global political importance of the nonprofit sector, its technological support and organizational characteristics have become important fields of research. In order to conduct effective work, nonprofits need to communicate and coordinate effectively. However, such settings are generally characterized by a lack of resources, an absence of formal hierarchical structures and differences in languages and culture among the activists. Modern technologies could help nonprofit networks in improving their working. In order to design appropriate technological support for such settings, it is important to understand their work practices, which widely differ from traditional business organizations. This book aims to strengthen the body of knowledge by providing user studies and concepts related to user centered technology design process for nonprofit settings. The examination of ethnographic studies and user centered evaluation of IT artifacts in practice will further the understanding of design requirements of these systems. This book includes chapters from leading scholars and practitioners on the technology design process examining human centered factors. The chapters will focus on developed and developing countries as they both have unique issues in technology design. The book will be useful or of interest to academics from a range of fields including information systems, human computer interaction, computer supported cooperative work and organizational science as well as for government officials and governmental organizations.

Examines the inherent issues, technology design implications, user experiences and guidelines for technology appropriation in non profit settings Analyses general design requirements IT systems for nonprofit organizations Investigates the increased political importance of the nonprofit sector and their general organizational characteristics Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Technology Appropriation in Nonprofit Organizations.- Empirical Studies of Technology Usage in Nonprofit Settings.- Open Sources Systems and Nonprofit Organizations.- Web 2.0 and Nonprofit Organizations.- Evaluation of IT Systems in Practice.- Technology based Collaboration among Nonprofit Organizations.- Technology for Advocacy and Mobilization Campaigns.- Technology based Communication among Nonprofit Stakeholders.- IT and Knowledge Management in Nonprofit Settings.- System Usability Issues of Nonprofit Settings.