@inproceedings{SowaHarmsProscheketal.2023, author = {Sowa, Frank and Harms, Patrick and Proschek, Katrin and Heinrich, Marco and Holzmeyer, Tanja}, title = {How Sociologists, Social Workers, UX Experts and Homeless People Develop Digital Products Together}, series = {Mensch und Computer 2023 - Usability Professionals ; 3.-6. September 2023}, booktitle = {Mensch und Computer 2023 - Usability Professionals ; 3.-6. September 2023}, organization = {Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Informatik e.V.}, doi = {10.18420/muc2023-up-495}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This paper reflects on an interdisciplinary and method triangulation approach for digital product development. The research project "Smart Inclusivity for homeless people" (SIWo), conducted by the Ohm, is cited as an example. In the project, research methods from qualitative social sciences involving group discussions and interviews were combined with a human-centered design process to develop customized digital products that aim to support homeless people in their everyday life. In the Social Sciences Research subproject, (digital) needs of homeless people were identified. In a human-centered design process, these results were used to define the context of use for product development. The project yielded several digital solutions, including apps for information needs like "Stromer Max" and "Schlaue Lise," along with concepts for housing and peer support apps. Additionally, a public Wi-Fi and charging station was installed in Nuremberg. Incorporating qualitative social research methods into the product development process can provide valuable insights and improve the human-centered design process, especially in the context of addressing social issues like homelessness. These methods help understand user needs and preferences in a more nuanced way than traditional Design Thinking approaches. However, challenges of time-intensive evaluations and issues of bridging the gap between social research and technical product development have to be faced. Overall, the paper emphasizes the potential for societal transformations through such interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of product development.}, language = {en} } @techreport{RoyFahnoeFarrieretal.2023, author = {Roy, Alastair and Fahn{\o}e, Kristian and Farrier, Alan and Heinrich, Marco and Kronb{\ae}k, Mette and Sowa, Frank}, title = {How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of homeless young people and welfare services in three European cities}, address = {Nuremberg/Copenhagen/Preston}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:92-opus4-18477}, pages = {3 -- 98}, year = {2023}, abstract = {At the beginning of the year 2020, the pandemic caused by COVID-19 reached Europe. European countries implemented restrictions on movement and public life in order to contain its spread. The pandemic, as well as these policy responses, altered everyday lives for people all over Europe. This research explores effects of the pandemic on the everyday lives and lived realities of homeless young people in three cities in different countries: Nuremberg (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Manchester (United Kingdom). We focus on young people between the ages of 18 and 29 who have experienced homelessness. In addition, we explore how three different social welfare organisations worked to provide practical and emotional support to homeless young people during the pandemic.}, language = {en} }