To Judge Access - A User Centred Approach

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to suggest a model which assists in the ability to judge the access offered to the public by Information Technology, IT and Public Information Systems, PIS. It has its starting point in the Swedish Governments endeavour to turn Sweden into the first "information society for all". A study of the available statistics concerning the access to a PC and the Internet in Swedish homes could make one think that this vision may soon be realised. Naturally, access to the technical equipment is a fundamental condition in order to be able to use the Public Information Systems, but unfortunately, is not the only one. Several studies have shown that it is not possible to equate possession and use. A number of access models or frameworks designed to judge whether or not a person has access to the ICTs do exist. However, it is my opinion that there is a deficiency in these models; their starting point is not the individual users prerequisites, but rather they judge the external conditions available for possible access. Assisted by four empirical studies, interviews and questionnaires, a number of access barriers experienced by the users have been identified. The studies show that in addition to the technological hindrances, a more elusive set also exists, originating from the prevailing norms and values in the users environment. These barriers are categorised into five groups; to have, to be able, to will, to may and to dare. Together these notions form the User Centred Access Model, UCAM, which is suggested for use in charting and communicating the necessary considerations that must be taken into account in the development of Public Information Systems