Investigating the Role of Sensor-Based Technologies in Resource-Constrained Households

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), domestic spaces face various challenges including insecurity, unreliable power supply and extreme weather conditions that affect poultry farming. The availability of low-cost sensors presents an opportunity to collect real-time data and utilize proactive methods to monitor these challenges. This dissertation builds on my prior studies to explore the role of sensor-based technologies to support domestic activities in this context. My research engages local technicians to design technology probes that support domestic security (M-Kulinda), power blackout monitoring (GridAlert) and poultry farming (NkhukuApp). I deployed M-Kulinda and GridAlert in Kenyan homes and I will deploy NkhukuApp in Malawian homes. This research contributes to HCI/CSCW by providing: empirical evidence about how sensors can be used in domestic spaces of this context; methodological contributions to technology probes by including local collaborators in their design process; and prototypes for supporting domestic activities in SSA.