My research seeks to center the margins by exploring how technology impacts marginalized populations’ information work, specifically emerging adults experiencing homelessness. I employ a range of qualitative approaches to examine how marginalized individuals search for, process, and use information in both online and offline spaces. I use critical race theory (CRT) as a lens to explore how interactions between people, information, and technology are shaped by larger structural factors, including racism. My talk focuses on emerging adults experiencing homelessness and how they understand and conceptualize technology to meet their information needs and practices. Through my findings, I will highlight how current sociotechnical systems do not support this population’s information work, how search systems further marginalize this population, and how we can design interventions more equitably.  

BIO: Angela D. R. Smith is a doctoral candidate in the Technology & Social Behavior at Northwestern University. Broadly, Angela's research leverages equitable design practices to give voice to vulnerable and marginalized populations. Her specific interests are finding ways to employ design as a catalyst to combat information poverty and provide socially responsible technology experiences. Currently, Angelaconducts qualitative and exploratory design inquiries by leveraging co-creation and community-based participatory research methods to understand the technology needs and experiences of marginalized individuals.

*Zoom link will be provided via iSchool listserv