Design thinking for responsible Agriculture 4.0 innovations in rangelands

Abstract

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  Agriculture is undergoing a rapid shift with the integration of digital technologies, resulting in a new form of production, “Agriculture 4.0” integrates not only sensors and robotics, but also the internet of things, cloud computing, data analytics, and decision support systems.

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  The use of digital technologies for production of grazing land is generally referred to as Precision Livestock Farming (PLF).

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  We provide a review and synthesis of design processes, with a focus on the human-centered design process and the Responsible Innovation Framework—to provide insights to guide research and development of PLF technologies in rangelands.

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  We describe the six stages of a “Design Thinking” process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test, and assess) and highlight the dimensions of the Responsible Innovation Framework (anticipation, inclusion, reflexivity, responsiveness, and equity) that are important at each step of the process.

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  We present a case study of the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project and their translational approach to science to provide an example of a PLF design process and highlight what others may learn from those experiences.