Using actor–network theory to revisit the digitalized tool in social design

Abstract

The actor–network theory assumes that human and non-human actors co-act in dynamic networks. As the boundaries between them change according to their connections, the design plays a constructive societal role and can help rebuild and reform societies. Through a case study of China’s health code, this study explains how a heterogeneous network in the social design structure assists institutions in actively or passively transforming a digitalized tool to rebuild and rewrite a part of social orders. It can aid human users operating in communities; however, it can also be used by powerful policymakers as an auxiliary tool. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the conflict between a hierarchical network and a co-acting network. As social issues become more complicated and unpredictable, the design can either help resolve the problem and guide us towards a more open, equal, and coordinated future, or it can do the opposite.