Participatory design of digital agriculture technologies: bridging the gaps between science and practice
Rural Extension Innovation Systems Journal - volume 16 number 1 year 2020
page 14 - 23
Cara Stitzlein, Simon Fielke, Aysha Fleming, Emma Jakku & Martijn Mooij
Participatory design of digital agriculture technologies: bridging gaps between science and practice
Cara Stitzlein1, Simon Fielke2, Aysha Fleming2, Emma Jakku2 & Martijn Mooij1
1 CSIRO, Data61, Australia,
2CSIRO, Land and Water, Australia
Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) College Road Sandy Bay, Tasmania Australia Cara.Stitzlein@csiro.au
Abstract. The relationship between agricultural productivity and sustainable land management is highlighted in a growing number of initiatives stressing the need for clean water and healthy soil. Consequently, on-farm practice changes are being recommended to landholders through these programmes. We report on research within Australia where participatory design methods were used to promote on-farm practice change through digital tools. Two projects are presented: one focused on promoting participation in a carbon farming programme and the second focused on nitrogen management in sugarcane production. We report on how engagement between researchers, farmers and advisors can work to incentivise on-farm practice change by aligning technology design and information presentation with different values held by targeted end users. Our experience demonstrates how to apply participatory design methods during the product development process, thus shaping the digital experience in ways that promote the practice changes consistent with scientifically derived insights and initiatives promoting sustainable outcomes.
Keywords: digital agriculture, carbon farming, sugarcane, participatory design, product development.