Month: September 2024

Human-Centred Software Engineering for Sustainable Software

26 September 2024 / Sofia Ouhbi

As we look ahead to the future of software engineering, one thing is clear: there is an urgent need for stronger communication between software engineering (SE) and human-computer interaction (HCI) researchers. This issue was brought to the forefront during the 2030 Software Engineering Workshop, co-located with the ACM International Conference on the Foundations of Software Engineering (FSE’24), where one of the key topics was the importance of human aspects in software engineering. There is also a growing need to develop sustainable systems that are not only technically robust but also socially and environmentally sustainable. The call to bridge the gap between SE and HCI was a key theme in one of the keynote addresses at the 46th International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE 2024), which emphasised the necessity of collaboration between these fields to achieve trustworthy AI systems by design.

Historically, SE and HCI have followed parallel paths [1], with some considering HCI a subset of software engineering, while others see it as an independent field. While software engineering tends to be functional and systematic, HCI draws from diverse areas such as psychology and ergonomics to prioritise human-centred design. This difference in focus has led to challenges in transferring knowledge between the two fields, with each speaking a different language despite working toward the same goals: creating effective, efficient, and usable software systems.

With the rise of AI, IoT, and other advanced technologies, the stakes are higher than ever. We are designing systems that increasingly touch every aspect of daily life, from healthcare to transportation to education. These systems must be trustworthy, reliable, and—most importantly—designed with the human at the center. Education plays a crucial role in addressing this gap. Today’s students are tomorrow’s software engineers, and if we want them to design systems that are both technically sound and human-centered, we need to embed human aspects into software engineering curricula. However, current frameworks like SWEBOK (Software Engineering Body of Knowledge) and curriculum recommendations consider HCI a small part of the overall software design process rather than a central theme.

Another challenge in bridging the gap between software engineering and HCI lies in the terminology each field uses. For instance, concepts like usability, user experience, and quality in use often have different meanings depending on the discipline or standard being referenced. This terminological confusion can create additional barriers to collaboration, as researchers and practitioners may believe they are discussing the same concept when, in reality, they are approaching it from different perspectives.

There are, however, promising efforts to bridge this gap. International conferences that focus on both SE and HCI, or that feature tracks dedicated to exploring the intersection of the two disciplines, are helping foster collaboration. These platforms allow academics and practitioners from both fields to share ideas, discuss challenges, and develop strategies for more integrated approaches to software design and development.

As someone who has conducted research in both fields, with a focus on requirements engineering and software quality, I’ve seen firsthand how the practical aspects of software engineering and the conceptual frameworks of HCI are complementary. Together, they broaden the perspective on challenges and opportunities, enabling the production of software that is not only functional but also provides real value to all stakeholders, including users, developers, and decision-makers.

By bridging the gap between SE and HCI, we can design solutions that meet human needs while contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and trustworthy digital future. The next decade offers a critical opportunity to reshape the relationship between these two fields, and in doing so, shape the future of software development for the better.

[1] Ogunyemi, A., & Lamas, D. (2014). Interplay between human-computer interaction and software engineering. In 2014 9th Iberian conference on information systems and technologies (CISTI) (pp. 1-10). IEEE.

Introducing the ConnectMe Project – Opportunities and Challenges for a Flexible Working Life

18 September 2024 / Åsa Cajander

The rapid digitalization of healthcare has created new opportunities for both patients and professionals. The ConnectMe project, a research initiative led by Uppsala University, aims to explore the potential of digital technologies in mental health care. This project focuses on the concept of Connected Mental Health and investigates how digital tools, such as video consultations, can influence the work environment for clinicians while providing flexible mental health services to patients.

Project Overview

Mental health challenges have been on the rise in Sweden, placing significant pressure on healthcare systems. In response to this growing demand, ConnectMe seeks to address the impact of telemedicine and other connected mental health solutions on the work-life flexibility of healthcare professionals, particularly in mental health contexts.

The project will explore three key areas:

Influence on Clinicians’ Work Environment: How connected mental health applications, such as video consultations, affect the daily experiences and working conditions of mental health professionals.
Comparisons Across Healthcare Contexts: Differences in the use and impact of these digital tools across various clinical settings, such as primary, secondary, and fully digital care environments.
Guidelines for Implementation: Recommendations for designing and implementing connected mental health solutions that support both flexible work environments and high-quality care for patients.

Methods and Data

To achieve these goals, the ConnectMe project will use a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative interviews with psychologists and psychiatrists, a national survey, and a Delphi study involving experts in the field. These methods will help gather insights into how different digital tools are being used, the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, and what needs to be improved to create more flexible and sustainable working conditions in mental health care.

The Importance of Flexibility

One of the driving forces behind the ConnectMe project is the need for flexibility in mental health care. Telemedicine, particularly in the form of video consultations, has been widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers potential benefits such as greater accessibility for patients and more flexible working conditions for clinicians. However, challenges remain, including the increased cognitive workload and stress associated with managing digital tools.

Through this project, the research team hopes to provide practical recommendations for ensuring that connected mental health tools enhance, rather than hinder, the work environment of clinicians. The findings will be used to develop guidelines that support a flexible and efficient use of digital technologies in mental healthcare.

Meet the ConnectMe Project Team

The ConnectMe project is led by a multidisciplinary team combining expertise in health informatics, software engineering, occupational health, and human-computer interaction. Together, they aim to improve flexibility in mental health care through connected technologies.

Maria Hägglund, PhD (Project Leader): An associate professor in Health Informatics, Maria specializes in digital health innovations and implementation science. She leads the project, focusing on enhancing work-life flexibility for mental health professionals.
Åsa Cajander, PhD: A professor of Human-Computer Interaction, Åsa researches the impact of digitalization on healthcare work environments, bringing crucial insights into how connected tools affect clinicians.
Charlotte Blease, PhD: An associate professor in Health Informatics and Research Affiliate at Harvard Medical School, Charlotte contributes her expertise in digital psychiatry and ethics, focusing on the real-world impact of telemedicine.
Sofia Ouhbi, PhD: An associate professor specializing in software engineering, Sofia ensures that connected health tools meet the needs of clinicians and patients, focusing on technical solutions for a flexible work environment.
Magdalena Ramstedt Stadin, PhD: A postdoctoral researcher in occupational health, Magdalena explores how digitalization affects work-related stress and well-being, particularly in mental health settings.

Future Impact

The ConnectMe project aims to provide actionable insights that can be applied in both clinical settings and digital health policy. The recommendations from this project will contribute to the broader understanding of how digital tools can shape the future of mental health care, ensuring that both patients and clinicians can benefit from a more connected and flexible healthcare system.

As the project continues over the next three years, we will share more updates and findings that can inform the future design and implementation of digital mental health solutions.

For more information about the project: https://connectme.blog.uu.se/about-connectme/

Adapting Computing Education for an AI-Driven Future – Insights from the EDU-AI Project

An AI generated illustration of a brain and people studying

17 September 2024 / Åsa Cajander

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, workplaces, and education systems at an unprecedented pace. In response to this rapid evolution, the EDU-AI project was launched to explore and guide the integration of Generative AI into computing education. This initiative addresses questions about how AI impacts professional competencies, student learning experiences, and teaching practices.

In this blog post, we highlight key findings and ongoing research from EDU-AI, organized into four main areas of focus. These cover the influence of AI in the IT industry, students’ use of AI in their education, AI-driven teaching strategies, and comprehensive recommendations for future integration of AI into educational practices.

AI’s Role in the IT Industry

One of the project’s major areas of focus is understanding how professionals in the IT industry engage with Generative AI. An extensive literature review on AI and human-computer interaction has been submitted for publication (Humble & Cajander, Submitted), alongside another study examining the environmental sustainability of AI (Humble & Mozelius, Submitted).

The project also involved interviews with over 50 professionals from Sweden and New Zealand, providing insight into how AI is reshaping their work. These findings have already been presented at international conferences, with additional publications forthcoming (Cajander et al., 2024). These contributions are vital to understanding AI’s evolving role in workplaces and its implications for computing education.

Exploring Students’ Use of Generative AI

Another important focus is understanding how students perceive and utilize Generative AI in their educational journey. A focus group study will be conducted in the fall semester of 2024, involving Bachelor’s and Master’s level students in computer science.

A significant insight from the project so far is that while AI has the potential to support learning, it also raises concerns about student cognitive load. A study on this topic has been accepted for presentation at the Swedish Cognitive Science Society (SWECog 2024) conference (Humble & Mozelius, 2024). In addition, a study examining how students use AI in software engineering education was presented at the Conference on Software Engineering Education and Training (Yabaku & Ouhbi, 2024).

Teaching with Generative AI

AI not only impacts students but is also transforming teaching methods. The project explores the perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of integrating Generative AI into higher education. A manuscript on these findings is planned for submission in fall 2024.

This research is expected to offer valuable guidance for educators, helping them to effectively integrate AI tools into their curricula and prepare students for an AI-enhanced future.

Synthesizing and Providing Recommendations

The final aspect of the project will synthesize all the findings from the previous areas and provide practical recommendations for adapting computing education in an AI-driven world. While this phase is set to begin later in 2024, it will play a crucial role in guiding educational institutions and policymakers as they adapt to the ongoing AI revolution.

Publications and Presentations

Team members, including Niklas Humble, Åsa Cajander, Mats Daniels, Sofia Ouhbi and Lars-Åke Nordén have presented their research at industry events and academic conferences worldwide.

Here are some key publications:

Axelsson, A., Wallgren, D. T., Verma, U., Cajander, Å., Daniels, M., McDermott, R., & Eckerdal, A. (2024). From assistance to misconduct: Unpacking the complex role of generative AI in student learning. In Proceedings of the Frontiers in Education Conference 2024, Washington, DC.

Cajander, Å., Bergqvist, A., Clear, A., Clear, T., Daniels, M., Humble, N., Larusdottir, M., McDermott, R., Normark, M., & Ouhbi, S. (2024). AI and work engagement: A study of IT professionals through the lens of self-determination theory. Human-Work Interaction Design Conference, Milan, Italy.

Clear, T., Cajander, Å., Clear, A., McDermott, R., Bergqvist, A., Daniels, M., … & Zhu, T. (2024). A Plan for a Joint Study into the Impacts of AI on Professional Competencies of IT Professionals and Implications for Computing Students. In Proceedings of the 2024 on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education V. 2 (pp. 757-758).

Humble, N. & Mozelius, P. (Accepted). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Cognitive Load in Computing Education. The 19th conference of the Swedish Cognitive Science Society (SWECog 2024).

Yabaku, M. & Ouhbi, S. (2024). University Students’ Perception and Expectations of Generative AI tools for Software Engineering. Accepted in the 36th Conference on Software Engineering Education and Training (CSEE&T’24).

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for EDU-AI

As the EDU-AI project progresses, it continues to provide insights into the integration of AI in education and industry. Having started in the spring of 2024, this project is just getting underway, with more exciting findings and developments expected in the coming months.

Stay tuned for future updates as the research unfolds!

My Upcoming PhD defense – ‘Care for Caregivers: Designing IT Applications for Informal Caregivers’

9 September 2024 / Shweta Premanandan

On Friday, September 13, 2024, at Uppsala University, I will defend my Ph.D. thesis titled Care for Caregivers: Designing IT Applications for Informal Caregivers. This research contributes to the field of Information systems and informal caregiving, focusing on how technology can be used to support informal caregivers—those who provide care to their relatives with illness or disabilities.

What is the Thesis About?

The thesis explores the development of IT applications to support informal caregivers. Informal caregiving often involves immense emotional, physical, and logistical challenges, all of which can take a toll on caregivers’ well-being. By identifying and analyzing the needs of caregivers, this research developed two primary IT solutions: an eCoaching platform and a web-based health application named Carer eSupport. These tools are designed to offer personalized guidance, resources, and support systems.

To design these applications, the thesis incorporates Persuasive Design and Positive Design approaches. Persuasive Design leverages behavioral psychology to encourage positive actions, while Positive Design focuses on enhancing emotional well-being. This research also critically analyzes their application in the caregiving context.

Why It Matters?

Caregivers play an essential yet often undervalued role in the healthcare system. They provide care, support, and comfort to their relatives in need, often with little formal training or external support. Despite the importance of their work, caregivers frequently struggle with balancing their responsibilities and maintaining their own well-being. This research highlights the crucial role that technology can play in supporting caregivers, providing them with accessible tools that can alleviate some of their burdens.

By addressing the needs of various caregiver groups, including native Swedish caregivers, immigrant caregivers, and those caring for patients with head and neck cancer, the thesis offers solutions that are tailored to the diverse needs of different populations.

Key Contributions

The thesis presents several key contributions based on interviews, focus groups, and evaluations conducted with caregivers and healthcare professionals:

Comparative Analysis: The thesis provides a comparative analysis of the Persuasive Systems Design (PSD) model and the Positive Design Framework for creating IT applications for informal caregivers. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches, offers an in-depth reflection on their design processes, and evaluates their effectiveness in meeting caregivers’ needs. Additionally, it offers recommendations on when to use PSD or Positive Design based on the caregiving context and provides practical guidelines for integrating both approaches to balance functionality and emotional support.
Adaptation of Frameworks: The research adapts the PSD and Positive Design frameworks specifically for informal caregiving, highlighting their relevance and applicability to this context.
Ethical Considerations: The thesis discusses the ethical implications of using persuasive and positive design techniques.
Literature Mapping: A systematic literature review is provided, offering crucial design recommendations and identifying facilitators and barriers to the implementation of IT applications in informal caregiving.
Proposing IT Solutions: The development, exploration, and evaluation of IT applications are also key contributions, including an eCoaching platform and a web-based health application designed to address and support the complex roles of caregivers.

The Role of Technology in Caregiving: What It Can and Can’t Do

Supporting caregivers with technology is an exciting idea, but it’s important to remember that technology has its limits. Caregiving isn’t just about tasks—it’s about empathy, understanding, and human connection. While apps and digital tools can make things easier for caregivers by providing information, resources, and reminders, they can’t replace the care and warmth that come from a real human interaction.

The truth is, informal caregivers are often expected to do the work of healthcare professionals, even though they might not have the training, time, or resources. This puts a lot of stress on them, leading to burnout and, in some cases, poorer outcomes for the people they care for. And not everyone has access to a strong support system, making caregiving even harder for people in marginalized communities.

So, while technology can help caregivers by making their lives a bit easier, it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for proper healthcare support. Caregivers need more than just apps; they need real, systemic support from the healthcare system. As we move forward, it’s crucial that research and policy work together to find better ways to take this burden off caregivers. Until then, IT applications can hope to provide some respite.

The Defense Day

On the day of the defense, the opponent, Professor Tone Bratteteig from University of Oslo, presents my research and then we engage in a discussion. This is followed by questions by the grading committee members and then the audience.

The defense will take place at 13.15 in room B115 at Ekonomikum, Uppsala University. I’m looking forward to it.

New publication: Insights from the Implementation of Open Notes in Sweden

7 September 2024 / Åsa Cajander

The digital transformation of healthcare has been a topic of significant global interest, with countries continuously exploring ways to enhance patient care and engagement. One of the most transformative initiatives in recent years has been the implementation of Open Notes, a system that grants patients direct access to their clinical records, including test results, diagnoses, and doctors’ notes. Sweden, a leader in digital healthcare innovations, has been at the forefront of this movement, navigating both technical and cultural challenges to provide patients with greater transparency and control over their health data.

A 20-Year Journey to Open Notes

The journey towards Open Notes in Sweden began in the 1990’s, when the region of Uppsala launched a project to provide patients with online access to their health records. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that all of Sweden’s 21 regions connected to the national Open Notes platform. This lengthy timeline underscores the complexity of the initiative, with regional variations in implementation strategies and differing approaches to balancing the needs of healthcare providers and patients.

According to the study, “Insights from the Implementation of Open Notes in Sweden”, published by Åsa Cajander, Hilde G. Corneliussen, Morten Hertzum, and Gunnar Ellingsen, the process of integrating Open Notes into the Swedish healthcare system has been both challenging and enlightening. The research focuses on the experiences of 14 project managers from five Swedish regions, providing valuable insights into the factors that shaped the project.

Balancing Transparency and Clinical Caution

At the core of the Open Notes initiative is the belief that providing patients with access to their health records promotes transparency, empowers patients, and leads to better healthcare outcomes. For patients with chronic conditions, the ability to access test results promptly is invaluable, allowing them to take a more active role in managing their health.

However, the study highlights that healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with patients accessing sensitive information. In psychiatric care, for example, there was apprehension that patients might misinterpret their records, leading to anxiety or distress. As one interviewee noted, “What will we do now when the patient gets this information? Will they get it before we do? I want to be able to explain to the patient what it means when they read it.”

Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment among project managers was that Open Notes had the potential to revolutionize patient care by fostering more open communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Managing Uncertainty and Conflict

The implementation process was not without its challenges. The project teams often encountered resistance from healthcare providers, who were initially hesitant about the changes. One participant described the journey as a dramatic shift, with healthcare providers moving “from almost being against… very resistant to opening up for new ideas.”

The study also revealed that the complexity of the implementation process was often underestimated. Technical issues, such as problems with communication protocols between local systems and the national platform, added to the difficulty of ensuring a smooth transition. Yet, through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, many of these conflicts were eventually resolved, leading to a more constructive and cooperative environment.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Sweden’s experience with Open Notes offers valuable lessons for other countries and healthcare systems looking to adopt similar initiatives. The key takeaway is that digital transformation in healthcare requires more than just technological solutions—it demands careful consideration of the cultural and professional dynamics within the healthcare sector.

For Open Notes to be successfully implemented, both healthcare providers and patients need to be prepared for the changes. This involves extensive training, risk analysis, and open communication to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned in their understanding of the system’s benefits and challenges.

In conclusion, while the implementation of Open Notes in Sweden was a complex and, at times, contentious process, the long-term benefits for patient empowerment and engagement are undeniable. As healthcare continues to evolve in the digital age, Sweden’s experience serves as a blueprint for how to navigate the intersection of technology, patient care, and professional practice.

You find the full paper here:

Cajander, Å., Corneliussen, H. G., Hertzum, M., & Ellingsen, G. (2024). Insights from the Implementation of Open Notes in Sweden. In Digital Health and Informatics Innovations for Sustainable Health Care Systems (pp. 105-109). IOS Press.