Interdisciplinary research is a type of collaborative research work where experts from different disciplines co-produce knowledge based on the integration of methodologies from different domains. For example, Internet-based studies exploring social networks and online group contents have documented how and when interdisciplinary collaboration with experts from the Social Sciences and Humanities could take place. Research in online forums, in particular, has adapted ethnographic methods traditionally used in Sociology and the medical sciences to study user behaviour and online communication. This type of approach has required teams to work closely with research experts in ethnography and anthropology. The expertise brought from other domains has allowed researchers to plan studies and analyse collected data from human-centred perspectives. Their findings, in turn, have been translated into social policy via using methodologies that lie beyond the traditional training and expertise of computer science experts.
Yet, in spite of the advantages of having a plurality of perspectives and expertise from various domains in interdisciplinary research, there is still a lack of understanding of how to conduct effective interdisciplinary research in Computer Science such as in the case of the analysis, design, development, and implementation of digital technology. Moreover, research involving digital technology design for vulnerable groups may fail to foresee and prevent unethical and negative consequences or impacts of technology introduction or implementation. This is particularly the case with algorithm-based technology which is often created, studied, tested, and deployed by experts and practitioners working in rather isolated domain circles composed by experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Consequently, technology design studies involving vulnerable populations (e.g., people living with chronic illnesses or living with a stigmatised condition such as being a prisoner or sex worker) may require additional work and overseeing by experts from legal and ethical-centred domains that could help make sure that the research agenda prioritises the well-being, as well as the values, needs, and interests of the research-target populations.
The main topics and questions (among others) to be discussed during the workshop are the following:
Finding research collaborators outside Computer Science: This topic would focus on methods and best practices to search, identify, and invite researchers from other domains as well as community gatekeepers and voluntary organisations to a Computer Science research project. We plan to emphasize participation of professionals and practitioners from core fields of the CSCW community involved in a socio-technical agenda (e.g., social work).
Collaborative research plan, design, and execution: This topic would involve methods and best practices to improve communication of goals, planning and tasks among researchers from different fields during the entire study process.
Sharing of research outcomes across different disciplines: This topic would cover the ways in which the outcomes of interdisciplinary research projects could be translated and used across different domains so that they are still valid and relevant to different audiences.
Ethical considerations: This topic would cover the ethical underpinnings of interdisciplinary research involving digital technology design for vulnerable groups, and cultivating best practice and responsible design sensibilities.