Human Technology and Organisations Research Group

Tag: sustainability

It’s Been Awhile: On Journals, Sustainability, and the Elusive Nature of Quality

3 July 2025 /

I should start this the way I used to begin many of my journal entries:

“It’s been awhile! From here on out, I’m going to write every day.” -Me

Of course, I never did, nor do I know why I thought I should. I wasn’t exactly sustainable in my writing habits. Or maybe I was—just not by the expectations I had set for myself in those journals. Now that I’ve spent a few years immersed in software sustainability research, I catch myself viewing everything through that lens. Even this pattern of sporadic journaling feels meaningul: an intention, a system, and then the reality of trying to maintain it. Also, the frustration with myself for not being able to work within the parameters that I’ve set for myself. I think at some point I picked up the expectation that if you didn’t write everyday, then I wasn’t doing it right. It’s worth reflecting at what I’m expecting from journaling and its role in my life to identify goals that have intention. It’s good to sometimes reflect on why do I have these expectations and what is their purpose?


I’ve been thinking about how quality is also an unclear concept. Like sustainability, it’s broad, contested, and highly contextual. I remember reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig back when I was a teenager. At the time, I took it at face value: a story about two people on a road trip riding motorbikes. I remember a section about the choice in motorbikes. One bike was new, top of the line, reliant on technicians and external tools; the other was a classic, simple bike the rider could troubleshoot on their own, with simple tools and manuals.


Back then, I didn’t read for insights or allegories but because I enjoy reading. I didn’t know Pirsig was a philosopher, or that he worked as a technical writer for computer manuals. It wasn’t until recently, when his name popped up again in a different context, that I did a little sleuthing. I learned he developed the Metaphysics of Quality. According to Pirsig, Quality can’t be defined. It’s both dynamic and static, both process and result. He says that everything arises from quality.


That idea’s been sitting with me. I think it’s time for a reread. The book seems to not have made the move with me to Sweden, so I’ll have to track down a copy. It will be a perfect summer read and I can follow up with more thoughts after I’ve had a chance to revisit the book. Bookclub anyone?


I hope everyone out there has a lovely summer!

A Path to a Brighter Future: Understanding the Relationship Between Software Quality and Sustainability

9 February 2024 /
Image Source: Unsplash

Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Gro Harlem Brundtland, 1987

In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a critical concern in various domains. While environmental sustainability remains a focal point, sustainability also encompasses social and economic dimensions. In our technologically driven society our daily lives encompass many increasing digital needs; researching how to create sustainable software is important. This research area has many gaps to explore.

One aspect of software sustainability can be seen in this example: software that crashes frequently is not sustainable. The user will think this product is low-quality and will probably stop using it. However, the relationship between software quality and sustainability is not always this obvious. Also, sometimes trade-offs between sustainability and quality may be necessary, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of this relationship.

One area where software sustainability and quality have a positive relationship is cost efficiency. Well-crafted code typically requires less maintenance and suffers from fewer defects, translating to reduced operational costs over the software’s lifecycle. Moreover, code optimization and energy-efficient design further contribute to long-term savings, aligning with sustainability goals.

Software sustainability also encompasses social aspects, extending beyond technical considerations. Clean, understandable code not only facilitates collaboration among developers but also can foster a supportive community around the software. The societal impact can also include the software user if the software includes a social influence.

At the center of software sustainability lies the need to understand and address the needs of end-users. By prioritizing quality and sustainability, developers can deliver products that not only meet user expectations but also foster trust and loyalty among stakeholders. This user-centric approach enhances the software’s longevity and cultivates a sense of responsibility towards its societal and environmental impacts.

By embracing a focus on quality and sustainability, software products should be evaluated by more than their functionality. Focusing on sustainability and quality not only benefits end-users but also contributes to the well-being of companies, society, and the environment at large. I look forward to sharing more as the research progresses.