Selected publications that
2025
Tilar A. DeVine; Matthew Clark; Jingxin Dong; Jackson Fowler; Austin L. Toombs
Identity Boards: Exploring Use of Mixed Media Expression in Online Queer Spaces Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 2025, ISBN: 9798400713958.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3706599.3720307,
title = {Identity Boards: Exploring Use of Mixed Media Expression in Online Queer Spaces},
author = {Tilar A. DeVine and Matthew Clark and Jingxin Dong and Jackson Fowler and Austin L. Toombs},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3706599.3720307},
doi = {10.1145/3706599.3720307},
isbn = {9798400713958},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
series = {CHI EA \'25},
abstract = {Our project “Identity Boards” on Discord, is an extension tool to promote healthy communication within LGBTQIA+ communities, that aim to reduce microaggressions and foster a more inclusive online environment. "Identity Boards" enable users to visually express their experiences and identities through customized media collections, creating a space for self-expression and understanding. Drawing insights from our co-design workshops, the “Identity Boards” highlights how non-verbal communication, such as sharing movies, songs, and memes, can help users navigate identity, reduce reliance on strict or fixed definitions in defining people’s identities, and promoting conversations within queer spaces. This approach aligns with broader inclusive design goals by address challenges such as “term-policing”, and limited representation in digital environment. In this article, we demonstrate how integrating extensions like “Identity Boards” into existing platforms can create safer, more supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ users, encouraging equality and respect in online spaces.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Our project “Identity Boards” on Discord, is an extension tool to promote healthy communication within LGBTQIA+ communities, that aim to reduce microaggressions and foster a more inclusive online environment. "Identity Boards" enable users to visually express their experiences and identities through customized media collections, creating a space for self-expression and understanding. Drawing insights from our co-design workshops, the “Identity Boards” highlights how non-verbal communication, such as sharing movies, songs, and memes, can help users navigate identity, reduce reliance on strict or fixed definitions in defining people’s identities, and promoting conversations within queer spaces. This approach aligns with broader inclusive design goals by address challenges such as “term-policing”, and limited representation in digital environment. In this article, we demonstrate how integrating extensions like “Identity Boards” into existing platforms can create safer, more supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ users, encouraging equality and respect in online spaces.
Seora Park; Tilar A. DeVine; Austin L. Toombs
Stuck in Translation: Reflexive Practice in Queer HCI Research from Non-Western Perspectives Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 2025, ISBN: 9798400713958.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3706599.3716236,
title = {Stuck in Translation: Reflexive Practice in Queer HCI Research from Non-Western Perspectives},
author = {Seora Park and Tilar A. DeVine and Austin L. Toombs},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3706599.3716236},
doi = {10.1145/3706599.3716236},
isbn = {9798400713958},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
series = {CHI EA \'25},
abstract = {We explore the intersectional struggles of a non-Western HCI researcher engaging with LGBTQIA+ women’s communities. Through self-reflection, the first author explores how her positionalities shaped engagements with the community, academic audience, and the research itself. While her community affiliation facilitated the early stage of research, it conflicted with her effort to balance the insider-outsider boundaries, creating dilemmas and distress. In parallel, she was discouraged by her attempts to bridge queer theory with HCI, the challenge of relying on articles published in Korean, and publication expectations to identify opportunities for “uniqueness” in addressing local experiences for global audiences. We triangulate the first author’s “stuckness” by incorporating the experiences of the research team, connecting contexts and reflecting on the nature of researcher positionality. By articulating the structural challenges of this non-Western Queer HCI researcher, this paper adds specific considerations, analytic lenses, and implications to calls for greater acknowledgment of researcher reflexivity.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
We explore the intersectional struggles of a non-Western HCI researcher engaging with LGBTQIA+ women’s communities. Through self-reflection, the first author explores how her positionalities shaped engagements with the community, academic audience, and the research itself. While her community affiliation facilitated the early stage of research, it conflicted with her effort to balance the insider-outsider boundaries, creating dilemmas and distress. In parallel, she was discouraged by her attempts to bridge queer theory with HCI, the challenge of relying on articles published in Korean, and publication expectations to identify opportunities for “uniqueness” in addressing local experiences for global audiences. We triangulate the first author’s “stuckness” by incorporating the experiences of the research team, connecting contexts and reflecting on the nature of researcher positionality. By articulating the structural challenges of this non-Western Queer HCI researcher, this paper adds specific considerations, analytic lenses, and implications to calls for greater acknowledgment of researcher reflexivity.
Suchismita Naik; Austin L. Toombs; Amanda Snellinger; Scott Saponas; Amanda K. Hall
Designing with Multi-Agent Generative AI: Insights from Industry Early Adopters Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2025 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, pp. 1961–1972, Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 2025, ISBN: 9798400714856.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3715336.3735823,
title = {Designing with Multi-Agent Generative AI: Insights from Industry Early Adopters},
author = {Suchismita Naik and Austin L. Toombs and Amanda Snellinger and Scott Saponas and Amanda K. Hall},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3715336.3735823},
doi = {10.1145/3715336.3735823},
isbn = {9798400714856},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2025 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference},
pages = {1961\textendash1972},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
series = {DIS \'25},
abstract = {In this paper we present the results of our investigation into how employees at Microsoft, as early adopters of multi-agent generative AI systems, navigate the complexities of designing, testing, and deploying these technologies to extend the organization’s product ecosystem. Through interviews with thirteen developers, we uncover the challenges, use cases, and lessons when designing with and for multi-agent AI frameworks. Our analysis reveals how participants leveraged this advanced emerging technology to enhance collaboration, productivity, customer support, creative processes, and security. Key design strategies include managing agent complexity, fostering transparency, and balancing agent autonomy with human oversight, essential considerations for human-agent interaction design. We provide empirical insights into the capabilities and limitations of multi-agent systems in real-world contexts, informing the design of future AI systems that align AI capabilities with human-centered design. By emphasizing first-person experiences and strategies, our research bridges human needs and AI potentials, advancing both the practice and theory of designing with and for AI systems.},
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In this paper we present the results of our investigation into how employees at Microsoft, as early adopters of multi-agent generative AI systems, navigate the complexities of designing, testing, and deploying these technologies to extend the organization’s product ecosystem. Through interviews with thirteen developers, we uncover the challenges, use cases, and lessons when designing with and for multi-agent AI frameworks. Our analysis reveals how participants leveraged this advanced emerging technology to enhance collaboration, productivity, customer support, creative processes, and security. Key design strategies include managing agent complexity, fostering transparency, and balancing agent autonomy with human oversight, essential considerations for human-agent interaction design. We provide empirical insights into the capabilities and limitations of multi-agent systems in real-world contexts, informing the design of future AI systems that align AI capabilities with human-centered design. By emphasizing first-person experiences and strategies, our research bridges human needs and AI potentials, advancing both the practice and theory of designing with and for AI systems.
Suchismita Naik; Amanda Snellinger; Austin L. Toombs; Scott Saponas; Amanda K. Hall
Exploring Early Adopters' Use of AI Driven Multi-Agent Systems to Inform Human-Agent Interaction Design: Insights from Industry Practice Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 2025, ISBN: 9798400713958.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3706599.3706693,
title = {Exploring Early Adopters\' Use of AI Driven Multi-Agent Systems to Inform Human-Agent Interaction Design: Insights from Industry Practice},
author = {Suchismita Naik and Amanda Snellinger and Austin L. Toombs and Scott Saponas and Amanda K. Hall},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3706599.3706693},
doi = {10.1145/3706599.3706693},
isbn = {9798400713958},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
series = {CHI EA \'25},
abstract = {This case study explores the experiences of Microsoft employees, who are early adopters of multi-agent generative AI systems, as they experiment with these technologies to design, test, and deploy new tools attempting to bridge the gap between existing Microsoft products and emerging AI capabilities. Thirteen developers and creators participated in 60-minute semi-structured interviews to elicit their challenges, use cases, and lessons learned from their experimentation with multi-agent AI frameworks. A thematic qualitative analysis process was conducted to analyze the interview data. Participants reported building multi-agent AI tools to address tasks in team collaboration, productivity, customer support, creative processes, and security. Strategies for managing complexity, enhancing transparency, and balancing agent autonomy with human oversight were found to be important human-agent interaction design considerations. Findings from this study highlight the capabilities and limitations of specialized multi-agents within the contexts of participants’ use cases and provide insights to inform the human-agent interaction design of future multi-agent generative AI systems.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
This case study explores the experiences of Microsoft employees, who are early adopters of multi-agent generative AI systems, as they experiment with these technologies to design, test, and deploy new tools attempting to bridge the gap between existing Microsoft products and emerging AI capabilities. Thirteen developers and creators participated in 60-minute semi-structured interviews to elicit their challenges, use cases, and lessons learned from their experimentation with multi-agent AI frameworks. A thematic qualitative analysis process was conducted to analyze the interview data. Participants reported building multi-agent AI tools to address tasks in team collaboration, productivity, customer support, creative processes, and security. Strategies for managing complexity, enhancing transparency, and balancing agent autonomy with human oversight were found to be important human-agent interaction design considerations. Findings from this study highlight the capabilities and limitations of specialized multi-agents within the contexts of participants’ use cases and provide insights to inform the human-agent interaction design of future multi-agent generative AI systems.
2024
Austin L. Toombs; Kyle Montague; Richmond Y. Wong; Robin N. Brewer; Suchismita Naik; Paul C. Parsons; Selma Sabanovic; Derek Whitley
Future Dialogues: Personal AI Assistants and Their Interactions with Us and Each Other Proceedings Article
In: Companion Publication of the 2024 Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing, pp. 675–678, Association for Computing Machinery, San Jose, Costa Rica, 2024, ISBN: 9798400711145.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3678884.3687139,
title = {Future Dialogues: Personal AI Assistants and Their Interactions with Us and Each Other},
author = {Austin L. Toombs and Kyle Montague and Richmond Y. Wong and Robin N. Brewer and Suchismita Naik and Paul C. Parsons and Selma Sabanovic and Derek Whitley},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3678884.3687139},
doi = {10.1145/3678884.3687139},
isbn = {9798400711145},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-11-13},
urldate = {2024-11-13},
booktitle = {Companion Publication of the 2024 Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing},
pages = {675\textendash678},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {San Jose, Costa Rica},
series = {CSCW Companion \'24},
abstract = {We propose a Special Interest Group (SIG) session during which audience participants will discuss future possible configurations of personal artificial intelligence assistants (PAIAs) and their potential capabilities to interact with other humans and other personal AI assistants. Participants will engage in design fiction and speculative design activities to discuss the boundaries of acceptable roles that personal AI assistants may play in our relationships in the future. The goal is for discussion and activities during the SIG to help attendees think through their own research and design work as it relates to exploring the impact that PAIAs and PAIA-like systems might have on our relationships with others and our relationships with technology. In the introduction to the SIG, we will use design fictions, sci-fi analyses, and short case studies to introduce a broad conceptual playing field that will inspire discussion for the 75-minute session.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
We propose a Special Interest Group (SIG) session during which audience participants will discuss future possible configurations of personal artificial intelligence assistants (PAIAs) and their potential capabilities to interact with other humans and other personal AI assistants. Participants will engage in design fiction and speculative design activities to discuss the boundaries of acceptable roles that personal AI assistants may play in our relationships in the future. The goal is for discussion and activities during the SIG to help attendees think through their own research and design work as it relates to exploring the impact that PAIAs and PAIA-like systems might have on our relationships with others and our relationships with technology. In the introduction to the SIG, we will use design fictions, sci-fi analyses, and short case studies to introduce a broad conceptual playing field that will inspire discussion for the 75-minute session.
Claire A. Rosenberger; Cezanne Elias; Yumary Ruiz; Austin L. Toombs; Sohee Lee; Kristine Marceau; Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth; Carly Kimiecik; Lillian Millspaugh; Chloe Cloutier; Lauren Rutherford; Liying Che; Carolyn E. B. McCormick
Community members as design partners: Codesign workshops of the families tackling tough times together program Journal Article
In: Family Relations, pp. 1-21, 2024.
@article{https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.13072,
title = {Community members as design partners: Codesign workshops of the families tackling tough times together program},
author = {Claire A. Rosenberger and Cezanne Elias and Yumary Ruiz and Austin L. Toombs and Sohee Lee and Kristine Marceau and Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth and Carly Kimiecik and Lillian Millspaugh and Chloe Cloutier and Lauren Rutherford and Liying Che and Carolyn E. B. McCormick},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/fare.13072},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.13072},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-07-25},
urldate = {2024-07-25},
journal = {Family Relations},
pages = {1-21},
abstract = {Abstract Objective This community-engaged codesign project identified the changes needed to tailor a family resilience-building program, the Families Tackling Tough Times Together (FT), into a community setting. Background There is a need for low-burden resources to help families mitigate stressful times and build resilience. Guided by Walsh\'s family resilience framework, FT aims to improve families\' ability to cope, recover, and build resilience. Due to the success of FT during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is now being modified to help families in the state of Indiana. Method Three codesign workshops were held with community service providers (CSP) and families. Participants engaged with the FT materials and discussions related to program usability and feasibility. Data were analyzed using a rapid analysis approach. Results CSPs stated that FT program materials fit with their goals and workload. Families felt the FT program aligned with their personal needs and day-to-day lives. Challenges and concerns with the FT materials included activities that required additional resources or that may be intimidating for families to complete. Both CSPs and families provided helpful suggestions on how to modify the materials. Conclusion The FT program was well received by participants and was viewed as a valuable addition to the services CSPs offer. Modifications will be made to the FT materials based on knowledge gained from the workshops. Implications This work highlights the collaborative nature of the codesign process as well as the insights gained from participants regarding the use of the FT materials by CSPs as part of their routine service delivery with families in the community.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Objective This community-engaged codesign project identified the changes needed to tailor a family resilience-building program, the Families Tackling Tough Times Together (FT), into a community setting. Background There is a need for low-burden resources to help families mitigate stressful times and build resilience. Guided by Walsh's family resilience framework, FT aims to improve families' ability to cope, recover, and build resilience. Due to the success of FT during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is now being modified to help families in the state of Indiana. Method Three codesign workshops were held with community service providers (CSP) and families. Participants engaged with the FT materials and discussions related to program usability and feasibility. Data were analyzed using a rapid analysis approach. Results CSPs stated that FT program materials fit with their goals and workload. Families felt the FT program aligned with their personal needs and day-to-day lives. Challenges and concerns with the FT materials included activities that required additional resources or that may be intimidating for families to complete. Both CSPs and families provided helpful suggestions on how to modify the materials. Conclusion The FT program was well received by participants and was viewed as a valuable addition to the services CSPs offer. Modifications will be made to the FT materials based on knowledge gained from the workshops. Implications This work highlights the collaborative nature of the codesign process as well as the insights gained from participants regarding the use of the FT materials by CSPs as part of their routine service delivery with families in the community.
Robert Soden; Austin L. Toombs; Michaelanne Thomas
Evaluating Interpretive Research in HCI Journal Article
In: Interactions, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 38–42, 2024, ISSN: 1072-5520.
@article{10.1145/3633200,
title = {Evaluating Interpretive Research in HCI},
author = {Robert Soden and Austin L. Toombs and Michaelanne Thomas},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3633200},
doi = {10.1145/3633200},
issn = {1072-5520},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-10},
urldate = {2024-01-10},
journal = {Interactions},
volume = {31},
number = {1},
pages = {38\textendash42},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
abstract = {Over the past few review cycles at CHI, CSCW, and other HCI venues, there has been a significant increase in the demands that reviewers and associate chairs (ACs) place on methods reporting for qualitative research. Some of this is appropriate, and to be expected as the community continues to grow and our engagement with a broad range of disciplinary and theoretical perspectives matures. However, this has not come without problems. In this article, we highlight what appears to be a growing misunderstanding of interpretive research practices. We discuss how to evaluate their methods and claims, and the vital contributions…},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
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Over the past few review cycles at CHI, CSCW, and other HCI venues, there has been a significant increase in the demands that reviewers and associate chairs (ACs) place on methods reporting for qualitative research. Some of this is appropriate, and to be expected as the community continues to grow and our engagement with a broad range of disciplinary and theoretical perspectives matures. However, this has not come without problems. In this article, we highlight what appears to be a growing misunderstanding of interpretive research practices. We discuss how to evaluate their methods and claims, and the vital contributions…
2023
Kristine Marceau; Carlyn Kimiecik; Yumary Ruiz; Carolyn McCormick; Austin L. Toombs; Cezanne Elias; Nasreen Lalani; Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth
Emerging Ideas. Families Together: Supporting family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic Journal Article
In: Family Relations, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 665–679, 2023.
@article{marceau2023emerging,
title = {Emerging Ideas. Families Together: Supporting family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic},
author = {Kristine Marceau and Carlyn Kimiecik and Yumary Ruiz and Carolyn McCormick and Austin L. Toombs and Cezanne Elias and Nasreen Lalani and Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/fare.12781},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12781},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Family Relations},
volume = {72},
number = {3},
pages = {665\textendash679},
publisher = {Wiley Online Library},
abstract = {Objective: This study evaluated a rapidly developed program designed to support family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background: Grounded in Walsh\'s family resilience framework, Families Tackling Tough Times Together (FT) disseminated weekly evidence-informed content through a public Facebook group, partner organizations, and on a dedicated website.
Method: Facebook and website analytics and weekly brief usage surveys (n with at least one = 74) documented program use, and pre- and post-FT surveys (n with at least one = 49) assessed family connectedness, positive outlook, purpose in life, and stress.
Results: The program was widely used and received favorable feedback. Participants reported less stress in weeks when they engaged in more program activities, and more family connectedness in weeks when they spent more time engaged in program materials. No significant changes were observed, however, in overall family resilience, self-efficacy, family functioning, or stress.
Conclusion: The FT program was widely used and appraised positively. Program involvement was favorably correlated with less stress and family connectedness within weeks, although long-term changes post-program were not observed.
Implications for Emerging Ideas: Social media can be used as an effective mechanism for reaching families during times of adversity and provides preliminary data that can guide refinement of FT and other disaster-responsive programs.
The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), declared a global pandemic in March 2020, disrupted family functioning, with some families experiencing multiple stressors and conflicts due to job loss, social distancing and confinement, unstable housing, school closures, and family caregiving burden (Prime et al., 2020). Despite these challenges, family resilience theories (Walsh, 2016) suggest that families can offset the negative outcomes experienced as a result of COVID-19 (Masten, 2021) by maintaining and fostering social connectedness, purpose, and optimism. Our study aimed to assess the use and usefulness of a rapidly developed program: Families Tackling Tough Times Together (FT; Ruiz et al., 2020) designed to support families in building resilience during the pandemic.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
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Objective: This study evaluated a rapidly developed program designed to support family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background: Grounded in Walsh's family resilience framework, Families Tackling Tough Times Together (FT) disseminated weekly evidence-informed content through a public Facebook group, partner organizations, and on a dedicated website.
Method: Facebook and website analytics and weekly brief usage surveys (n with at least one = 74) documented program use, and pre- and post-FT surveys (n with at least one = 49) assessed family connectedness, positive outlook, purpose in life, and stress.
Results: The program was widely used and received favorable feedback. Participants reported less stress in weeks when they engaged in more program activities, and more family connectedness in weeks when they spent more time engaged in program materials. No significant changes were observed, however, in overall family resilience, self-efficacy, family functioning, or stress.
Conclusion: The FT program was widely used and appraised positively. Program involvement was favorably correlated with less stress and family connectedness within weeks, although long-term changes post-program were not observed.
Implications for Emerging Ideas: Social media can be used as an effective mechanism for reaching families during times of adversity and provides preliminary data that can guide refinement of FT and other disaster-responsive programs.
The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), declared a global pandemic in March 2020, disrupted family functioning, with some families experiencing multiple stressors and conflicts due to job loss, social distancing and confinement, unstable housing, school closures, and family caregiving burden (Prime et al., 2020). Despite these challenges, family resilience theories (Walsh, 2016) suggest that families can offset the negative outcomes experienced as a result of COVID-19 (Masten, 2021) by maintaining and fostering social connectedness, purpose, and optimism. Our study aimed to assess the use and usefulness of a rapidly developed program: Families Tackling Tough Times Together (FT; Ruiz et al., 2020) designed to support families in building resilience during the pandemic.
Background: Grounded in Walsh's family resilience framework, Families Tackling Tough Times Together (FT) disseminated weekly evidence-informed content through a public Facebook group, partner organizations, and on a dedicated website.
Method: Facebook and website analytics and weekly brief usage surveys (n with at least one = 74) documented program use, and pre- and post-FT surveys (n with at least one = 49) assessed family connectedness, positive outlook, purpose in life, and stress.
Results: The program was widely used and received favorable feedback. Participants reported less stress in weeks when they engaged in more program activities, and more family connectedness in weeks when they spent more time engaged in program materials. No significant changes were observed, however, in overall family resilience, self-efficacy, family functioning, or stress.
Conclusion: The FT program was widely used and appraised positively. Program involvement was favorably correlated with less stress and family connectedness within weeks, although long-term changes post-program were not observed.
Implications for Emerging Ideas: Social media can be used as an effective mechanism for reaching families during times of adversity and provides preliminary data that can guide refinement of FT and other disaster-responsive programs.
The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), declared a global pandemic in March 2020, disrupted family functioning, with some families experiencing multiple stressors and conflicts due to job loss, social distancing and confinement, unstable housing, school closures, and family caregiving burden (Prime et al., 2020). Despite these challenges, family resilience theories (Walsh, 2016) suggest that families can offset the negative outcomes experienced as a result of COVID-19 (Masten, 2021) by maintaining and fostering social connectedness, purpose, and optimism. Our study aimed to assess the use and usefulness of a rapidly developed program: Families Tackling Tough Times Together (FT; Ruiz et al., 2020) designed to support families in building resilience during the pandemic.
Colin M. Gray; Rua M. Williams; Paul C. Parsons; Austin L. Toombs; Abbee Westbrook
Trajectories of Student Engagement with Social Justice-Informed Design Work Book Chapter
In: Hokanson, Brad; Exter, Marisa; Schmidt, Matthew M.; Tawfik, Andrew A. (Ed.): Toward Inclusive Learning Design: Social Justice, Equity, and Community, pp. 289–301, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2023, ISBN: 978-3-031-37697-9.
@inbook{Gray2023,
title = {Trajectories of Student Engagement with Social Justice-Informed Design Work},
author = {Colin M. Gray and Rua M. Williams and Paul C. Parsons and Austin L. Toombs and Abbee Westbrook},
editor = {Brad Hokanson and Marisa Exter and Matthew M. Schmidt and Andrew A. Tawfik},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37697-9_22},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-37697-9_22},
isbn = {978-3-031-37697-9},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
booktitle = {Toward Inclusive Learning Design: Social Justice, Equity, and Community},
pages = {289\textendash301},
publisher = {Springer Nature Switzerland},
address = {Cham},
abstract = {Designers are increasingly interested in using methodologies that foreground the politics of design, moving beyond product-centered notions of work that are common even within human-centered design traditions. In this paper, we document the experiences of undergraduate UX design students as they used a digital civics approach to support local community needs. We highlight how students sought to frame their design work and outcomes, describing successful and unsuccessful trajectories of engagement with social justice principles.},
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}
Designers are increasingly interested in using methodologies that foreground the politics of design, moving beyond product-centered notions of work that are common even within human-centered design traditions. In this paper, we document the experiences of undergraduate UX design students as they used a digital civics approach to support local community needs. We highlight how students sought to frame their design work and outcomes, describing successful and unsuccessful trajectories of engagement with social justice principles.
2022
Austin L. Toombs; Ahreum Lee; Zhuang Guo; Jared Buls; Abbee Westbrook; Ian Carr; Yuqing Wu; Michael LaPeter
"We're so much more than the in-game clan": Gaming Experiences and Group Management in Multi-Space Online Communities Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, vol. 6, no. CSCW2, 2022.
@article{toombs2022we,
title = {"We\'re so much more than the in-game clan": Gaming Experiences and Group Management in Multi-Space Online Communities},
author = {Austin L. Toombs and Ahreum Lee and Zhuang Guo and Jared Buls and Abbee Westbrook and Ian Carr and Yuqing Wu and Michael LaPeter},
url = {https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3555119},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3555119},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction},
volume = {6},
number = {CSCW2},
publisher = {ACM New York, NY, USA},
abstract = {The platforms that host online gaming groups and communities continue to evolve, and it has become possible to join, participate in, and consume content from groups that exist across multiple tools, platforms, and spaces at the same time. In this paper, we explore how groups use and rely upon assemblages of multiple online spaces to accomplish the "work" of participating in these gaming groups. We present an interview study with users of the100.io, a platform that hosts gaming community spaces, helps players find groups, and operates as a gaming event scheduling tool for its users. Contrary to our initial assumptions, we found that users relied upon the100 as a kind of glue for flexibly-interconnected, multi-space group configurations. These multi-space groups support our participants\' desires to approach online gaming as a social practice, provide additional accountability among players, and enable multiple forms of social participation within those communities. Our findings point towards opportunities to expand social computing scholarship to better describe how users of online communities flexibly bridge across technical infrastructure.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The platforms that host online gaming groups and communities continue to evolve, and it has become possible to join, participate in, and consume content from groups that exist across multiple tools, platforms, and spaces at the same time. In this paper, we explore how groups use and rely upon assemblages of multiple online spaces to accomplish the "work" of participating in these gaming groups. We present an interview study with users of the100.io, a platform that hosts gaming community spaces, helps players find groups, and operates as a gaming event scheduling tool for its users. Contrary to our initial assumptions, we found that users relied upon the100 as a kind of glue for flexibly-interconnected, multi-space group configurations. These multi-space groups support our participants' desires to approach online gaming as a social practice, provide additional accountability among players, and enable multiple forms of social participation within those communities. Our findings point towards opportunities to expand social computing scholarship to better describe how users of online communities flexibly bridge across technical infrastructure.
2021
Louis Goffe; Shruthi Sai Chivukula; Alex Bowyer; Simon Bowen; Austin L. Toombs; Colin M. Gray
Appetite for Disruption: Designing Human-Centred Augmentations to an Online Food Ordering Platform Proceedings Article
In: 34th British HCI Conference 34, pp. 155–167, 2021.
@inproceedings{goffe2021appetite,
title = {Appetite for Disruption: Designing Human-Centred Augmentations to an Online Food Ordering Platform},
author = {Louis Goffe and Shruthi Sai Chivukula and Alex Bowyer and Simon Bowen and Austin L. Toombs and Colin M. Gray},
doi = {10.14236/ewic/HCI2021.16},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {34th British HCI Conference 34},
pages = {155--167},
abstract = {Online food ordering platforms have changed how many of us purchase takeaway food. They have centralised and streamlined access, providing an opportunity for population-level dietary impact. However, they are currently not human-centred: typically providing limited functionality in support of users\' values and dietary considerations; and focused on the provision of food that is broadly characterised as unhealthy. In this paper we explore a redesign of portions of Just Eat, an online takeaway food aggregator, building upon theoretical perspectives from public health. We conducted workshops in 2018 and 2019 to identify user behaviours and motivations then designed a human-centric web augmentation template that could disrupt platform provider behaviours and increase functionality to support users\' desires and well-being. We provide a template for lightweight end-user appropriations of food ordering platforms that would enable researchers to explore how health information features could improve individual health and satisfaction, and design guidance for disruptively augmenting existing food ordering platforms (or designing new ones) to enable transparency, personalisation, and self-monitoring to empower users and improve their well-being.},
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Online food ordering platforms have changed how many of us purchase takeaway food. They have centralised and streamlined access, providing an opportunity for population-level dietary impact. However, they are currently not human-centred: typically providing limited functionality in support of users' values and dietary considerations; and focused on the provision of food that is broadly characterised as unhealthy. In this paper we explore a redesign of portions of Just Eat, an online takeaway food aggregator, building upon theoretical perspectives from public health. We conducted workshops in 2018 and 2019 to identify user behaviours and motivations then designed a human-centric web augmentation template that could disrupt platform provider behaviours and increase functionality to support users' desires and well-being. We provide a template for lightweight end-user appropriations of food ordering platforms that would enable researchers to explore how health information features could improve individual health and satisfaction, and design guidance for disruptively augmenting existing food ordering platforms (or designing new ones) to enable transparency, personalisation, and self-monitoring to empower users and improve their well-being.
Naveena Karusala; Azra Ismail; Karthik S Bhat; Aakash Gautam; Sachin R Pendse; Neha Kumar; Richard Anderson; Madeline Balaam; Shaowen Bardzell; Nicola J Bidwell; Melissa Densmore; Elizabeth Kaziunas; Anne Marie Piper; Noopur Raval; Pushpendra Singh; Austin L. Toombs; Nervo Verdezoto; Ding Wang
The Future of Care Work: Towards a Radical Politics of Care in CSCW Research and Practice Proceedings Article
In: Companion Publication of the 2021 Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing, pp. 338–342, Association for Computing Machinery, Virtual Event, USA, 2021, ISBN: 9781450384797.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3462204.3481734,
title = {The Future of Care Work: Towards a Radical Politics of Care in CSCW Research and Practice},
author = {Naveena Karusala and Azra Ismail and Karthik S Bhat and Aakash Gautam and Sachin R Pendse and Neha Kumar and Richard Anderson and Madeline Balaam and Shaowen Bardzell and Nicola J Bidwell and Melissa Densmore and Elizabeth Kaziunas and Anne Marie Piper and Noopur Raval and Pushpendra Singh and Austin L. Toombs and Nervo Verdezoto and Ding Wang},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3462204.3481734},
doi = {10.1145/3462204.3481734},
isbn = {9781450384797},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {Companion Publication of the 2021 Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing},
pages = {338\textendash342},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {Virtual Event, USA},
series = {CSCW \'21 Companion},
abstract = {Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Human- Computer Interaction (HCI) have long studied how technology can support material and relational aspects of care work, typically in clinical healthcare settings. More recently, we see increasing recognition of care work such as informal healthcare provision, child and elderly care, organizing and advocacy, domestic work, and service work. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored long-present tensions between the deep necessity and simultaneous devaluation of our care infrastructures. This highlights the need to attend to the broader social, political, and economic systems that shape care work and the emerging technologies being used in care work. This leads us to ask several critical questions: What counts as care work and why? How is care work (de)valued, (un)supported, or coerced under capitalism and to what end? What narratives drive the push for technology in care work and whom does it benefit? How does care work resist or build resilience against and within oppressive systems? And how can we as researchers advocate for and with care and caregivers? In this one-day workshop, we will bring together researchers from academia, industry, and community-based organizations to reflect on these questions and extend conversations on the future of technology for care work.},
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Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Human- Computer Interaction (HCI) have long studied how technology can support material and relational aspects of care work, typically in clinical healthcare settings. More recently, we see increasing recognition of care work such as informal healthcare provision, child and elderly care, organizing and advocacy, domestic work, and service work. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored long-present tensions between the deep necessity and simultaneous devaluation of our care infrastructures. This highlights the need to attend to the broader social, political, and economic systems that shape care work and the emerging technologies being used in care work. This leads us to ask several critical questions: What counts as care work and why? How is care work (de)valued, (un)supported, or coerced under capitalism and to what end? What narratives drive the push for technology in care work and whom does it benefit? How does care work resist or build resilience against and within oppressive systems? And how can we as researchers advocate for and with care and caregivers? In this one-day workshop, we will bring together researchers from academia, industry, and community-based organizations to reflect on these questions and extend conversations on the future of technology for care work.
2020
Eunkyung Jo; Austin L. Toombs; Colin M. Gray; Hwajung Hong
Understanding Parenting Stress through Co-designed Self-Trackers Proceedings Article
In: 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2020.
@inproceedings{Jo2020,
title = {Understanding Parenting Stress through Co-designed Self-Trackers},
author = {Eunkyung Jo and Austin L. Toombs and Colin M. Gray and Hwajung Hong},
doi = {10.1145/3313831.3376359},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-05-05},
urldate = {2020-05-05},
booktitle = {2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
abstract = {New parents often experience significant stress as they take on new roles and responsibilities. Stress management and mental wellbeing are two areas in which personal informatics (PI) research has gained attention, and there is an opportunity to investigate how parenting stress can be mitigated through PI practices. In this paper, we present the results of a co-designed technology probe study through which we deployed individualized self-trackers with new parents. We investigate the stress management topics new parents are interested in tracking and how \textemdash and with what goals---they engage in self-directed PI practices. Our findings indicate that PI practices can potentially enable parents to: re-discover positive aspects of their everyday lives; identify better-suited stress management strategies; and facilitate spousal communication about shared responsibilities. We discuss how self-tracking experiences for the mental wellness of parents can be better designed.},
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New parents often experience significant stress as they take on new roles and responsibilities. Stress management and mental wellbeing are two areas in which personal informatics (PI) research has gained attention, and there is an opportunity to investigate how parenting stress can be mitigated through PI practices. In this paper, we present the results of a co-designed technology probe study through which we deployed individualized self-trackers with new parents. We investigate the stress management topics new parents are interested in tracking and how — and with what goals—they engage in self-directed PI practices. Our findings indicate that PI practices can potentially enable parents to: re-discover positive aspects of their everyday lives; identify better-suited stress management strategies; and facilitate spousal communication about shared responsibilities. We discuss how self-tracking experiences for the mental wellness of parents can be better designed.
Austin L. Toombs; Derek Whitley; Colin M. Gray
Autono-preneurial Agents in the Community: Developing a Socially Aware API for Autonomous Entrepreneurial Lawn Mowers Proceedings Article
In: Companion Proceedings of the 2020 ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, 2020.
@inproceedings{Toombs2020,
title = {Autono-preneurial Agents in the Community: Developing a Socially Aware API for Autonomous Entrepreneurial Lawn Mowers},
author = {Austin L. Toombs and Derek Whitley and Colin M. Gray},
doi = {10.1145/3323994.3369900},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-06},
urldate = {2020-01-06},
booktitle = {Companion Proceedings of the 2020 ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work},
abstract = {In this paper, we describe our efforts to appropriate an autono-preneurial agent---in this case, the Amazon Locust (footnote: The Amazon Locust is a fictional autonomous lawn mowing robot that we imagine to be widely available through Amazon by 2035.)---through the development of an API that enables equitable and socially aware entrepreneurial decision making on the part of the Locust. We present a new API and our intended vision for this system, along with our proposed deployment plan for implementing appropriated Locusts in Midwestern USA suburban communities. These appropriated Locusts will allow community provisioning decision-making that moves beyond consideration of profitability to also include decisions based on equity, equality, community, and interpersonal relationships. We discuss the broader implications of this work and point toward future areas of inquiry.},
keywords = {},
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In this paper, we describe our efforts to appropriate an autono-preneurial agent—in this case, the Amazon Locust (footnote: The Amazon Locust is a fictional autonomous lawn mowing robot that we imagine to be widely available through Amazon by 2035.)—through the development of an API that enables equitable and socially aware entrepreneurial decision making on the part of the Locust. We present a new API and our intended vision for this system, along with our proposed deployment plan for implementing appropriated Locusts in Midwestern USA suburban communities. These appropriated Locusts will allow community provisioning decision-making that moves beyond consideration of profitability to also include decisions based on equity, equality, community, and interpersonal relationships. We discuss the broader implications of this work and point toward future areas of inquiry.
Ahreum Lee; Austin L. Toombs
Robots on campus: understanding public perception of robots using social media Proceedings Article
In: Conference Companion Publication of the 2020 on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing, pp. 305–309, 2020.
@inproceedings{lee2020robots,
title = {Robots on campus: understanding public perception of robots using social media},
author = {Ahreum Lee and Austin L. Toombs},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3406865.3418321},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
booktitle = {Conference Companion Publication of the 2020 on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing},
pages = {305--309},
abstract = {As robots engage more in society in various forms, it is important to understand the public perception of robots. In this poster, we focus on a campus-centric subreddit to explore online discourse about delivery robots on university campus. We specifically identify how people share their experiences with robots and how people perceive robots in society by analyzing Reddit posts. In so doing, we raise existing concerns about the robots which give insights into acceptance and sociability in human-robot interaction.},
keywords = {},
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As robots engage more in society in various forms, it is important to understand the public perception of robots. In this poster, we focus on a campus-centric subreddit to explore online discourse about delivery robots on university campus. We specifically identify how people share their experiences with robots and how people perceive robots in society by analyzing Reddit posts. In so doing, we raise existing concerns about the robots which give insights into acceptance and sociability in human-robot interaction.
2019
Colin M Gray; Austin L Toombs; Marlo Owczarzak; Christopher Watkins (Ed.)
Digital Civics Goes Abroad Periodical
vol. 26, no. 2, 2019, ISSN: 1072-5520, (Those listed as editors are the authors. Teach press doesn’t display authors of periodicals correctly, for some reason.).
@periodical{Gray:2019:DCG:3314846.3301661,
title = {Digital Civics Goes Abroad},
author = {Colin M Gray and Austin L Toombs and Marlo Owczarzak and Christopher Watkins},
editor = {Colin M Gray and Austin L Toombs and Marlo Owczarzak and Christopher Watkins},
url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/3301661},
doi = {10.1145/3301661},
issn = {1072-5520},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Interactions},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {74--77},
publisher = {ACM},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
note = {Those listed as editors are the authors. Teach press doesn't display authors of periodicals correctly, for some reason.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {periodical}
}
Ahreum Lee; Austin L. Toombs; Ingrid Erickson
Infrastructure vs. Community: Co-spaces Confront Digital Nomads' Paradoxical Needs Proceedings Article
In: Extended Abstracts of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. LBW2419:1–LBW2419:6, ACM, Glasgow, Scotland Uk, 2019, ISBN: 978-1-4503-5971-9.
@inproceedings{Lee:2019:IVC:3290607.3313064,
title = {Infrastructure vs. Community: Co-spaces Confront Digital Nomads\' Paradoxical Needs},
author = {Ahreum Lee and Austin L. Toombs and Ingrid Erickson},
url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/3290607.3313064},
doi = {10.1145/3290607.3313064},
isbn = {978-1-4503-5971-9},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
urldate = {2019-01-01},
booktitle = {Extended Abstracts of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
pages = {LBW2419:1--LBW2419:6},
publisher = {ACM},
address = {Glasgow, Scotland Uk},
series = {CHI EA \'19},
abstract = {Co-working and co-living companies are rising globally and the increasing participation within the gig economy has extended the range of users of community-based spaces (co-spaces) and raised a set of different community models in considering how to support them. In this paper, we specifically focus on the needs of digital nomads in co-spaces who struggle to pursue their personal and professional freedom. In so doing, we raise awareness of existing tensions that currently hinder the social engagement of these individuals in co-space settings.},
keywords = {},
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Co-working and co-living companies are rising globally and the increasing participation within the gig economy has extended the range of users of community-based spaces (co-spaces) and raised a set of different community models in considering how to support them. In this paper, we specifically focus on the needs of digital nomads in co-spaces who struggle to pursue their personal and professional freedom. In so doing, we raise awareness of existing tensions that currently hinder the social engagement of these individuals in co-space settings.
Austin L. Toombs; Michael A. Davidge; Jeongjin Park; Gregory Sirko; Michael LaPeter
Algorithmically-Generated Communities: A Case Study Proceedings Article
In: Conference Companion Publication of the 2019 on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing, pp. 387–391, ACM, Austin, TX, USA, 2019, ISBN: 978-1-4503-6692-2.
@inproceedings{Toombs:2019:ACC:3311957.3359457,
title = {Algorithmically-Generated Communities: A Case Study},
author = {Austin L. Toombs and Michael A. Davidge and Jeongjin Park and Gregory Sirko and Michael LaPeter},
url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/3311957.3359457},
doi = {10.1145/3311957.3359457},
isbn = {978-1-4503-6692-2},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
urldate = {2019-01-01},
booktitle = {Conference Companion Publication of the 2019 on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing},
pages = {387--391},
publisher = {ACM},
address = {Austin, TX, USA},
series = {CSCW \'19},
abstract = {In this poster, we present a case study of the100.io, an online platform that sorts gamers into groups that support gameplay and other activities. Through our analysis, we have identified that communities in which individuals are algorithmically sorted can thrive, even when the conditions of that sorting are somewhat arbitrary. We identify opportunities for CSCW researchers to further engage in the presence of shared identities, conversations about group atmosphere, and engagement with external tools as a means of indicating group health and success.},
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In this poster, we present a case study of the100.io, an online platform that sorts gamers into groups that support gameplay and other activities. Through our analysis, we have identified that communities in which individuals are algorithmically sorted can thrive, even when the conditions of that sorting are somewhat arbitrary. We identify opportunities for CSCW researchers to further engage in the presence of shared identities, conversations about group atmosphere, and engagement with external tools as a means of indicating group health and success.
Ahreum Lee; Austin L. Toombs; Ingrid Erickson; David Nemer; Yu-shen Ho; Eunkyung Jo; Zhuang Guo
The Social Infrastructure of Co-Spaces: Home, Work, and Sociable Places for Digital Nomads Journal Article
In: Proc. ACM Hum.-Comput. Interact., vol. 3, no. CSCW, 2019.
@article{10.1145/3359244,
title = {The Social Infrastructure of Co-Spaces: Home, Work, and Sociable Places for Digital Nomads},
author = {Ahreum Lee and Austin L. Toombs and Ingrid Erickson and David Nemer and Yu-shen Ho and Eunkyung Jo and Zhuang Guo},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3359244},
doi = {10.1145/3359244},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
urldate = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Proc. ACM Hum.-Comput. Interact.},
volume = {3},
number = {CSCW},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
abstract = {The rise of co-working and co-living spaces, as well as related shared spaces such as makerspaces and hackerspaces-a group we refer to as various types of "co-spaces" - has helped facilitate a parallel expansion of the "digital nomad (DN)" lifestyle. Digital nomads, colloquially, are those individuals that leverage digital infrastructures and sociotechnical systems to live location-independent lives. In this paper, we use Oldenburg\'s framework of a first (home), second (work), and third (social) place as an analytical lens to investigate how digital nomads understand the affordance of these different types of spaces. We present an analysis of posts and comments on the \'/r/digitalnomad\' subreddit, a vibrant online community where DNs ask questions and share advice about the different types of places and amenities that are necessary to pursue their digital nomad lifestyle. We found that places are often assessed positively or negatively relative to one primary characteristic: either they provide a means for nomads to maintain a clear separation between the social and professional aspects of their lives, or they provide a means to merge these aspects together. Digital nomads that favor the first type of place tend to focus on searching for factors that they feel will promote their own work productivity, whereas DNs that favor the second type of place tend to focus on factors that they feel will allow them to balance their work and social lives. We also build on linkages between the notion of a third place and the more recent theoretical construct of social infrastructure. Ultimately, we demonstrate how DNs\' interests in co-spaces provide a kind of edge-case for CSCW and HCI scholars to explore how sociotechnical systems, such as variants of co-spaces, inform one another as well as signify important details regarding new ways of living and engaging with technology.},
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The rise of co-working and co-living spaces, as well as related shared spaces such as makerspaces and hackerspaces-a group we refer to as various types of "co-spaces" – has helped facilitate a parallel expansion of the "digital nomad (DN)" lifestyle. Digital nomads, colloquially, are those individuals that leverage digital infrastructures and sociotechnical systems to live location-independent lives. In this paper, we use Oldenburg's framework of a first (home), second (work), and third (social) place as an analytical lens to investigate how digital nomads understand the affordance of these different types of spaces. We present an analysis of posts and comments on the '/r/digitalnomad' subreddit, a vibrant online community where DNs ask questions and share advice about the different types of places and amenities that are necessary to pursue their digital nomad lifestyle. We found that places are often assessed positively or negatively relative to one primary characteristic: either they provide a means for nomads to maintain a clear separation between the social and professional aspects of their lives, or they provide a means to merge these aspects together. Digital nomads that favor the first type of place tend to focus on searching for factors that they feel will promote their own work productivity, whereas DNs that favor the second type of place tend to focus on factors that they feel will allow them to balance their work and social lives. We also build on linkages between the notion of a third place and the more recent theoretical construct of social infrastructure. Ultimately, we demonstrate how DNs' interests in co-spaces provide a kind of edge-case for CSCW and HCI scholars to explore how sociotechnical systems, such as variants of co-spaces, inform one another as well as signify important details regarding new ways of living and engaging with technology.
2018
Yubo Kou; Colin M Gray; Austin L Toombs; Robin S Adams
Understanding Social Roles in an Online Community of Volatile Practice: A Study of User Experience Practitioners on Reddit Journal Article
In: Trans. Soc. Comput., vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 17:1–17:22, 2018.
@article{Kou2018-np,
title = {Understanding Social Roles in an Online Community of Volatile Practice: A Study of User Experience Practitioners on Reddit},
author = {Yubo Kou and Colin M Gray and Austin L Toombs and Robin S Adams},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-12-01},
journal = {Trans. Soc. Comput.},
volume = {1},
number = {4},
pages = {17:1--17:22},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
abstract = {Community of practice (CoP) is a primary framework in social
computing research that addresses learning and organizing
specific practices in online communities. However, the classic
CoP theory does not provide a detailed account for how practices
change or evolve. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing
occupational landscape, it is crucial to understand how people
participate in online communities focused on practices that have
a volatile nature, as well as how social computing tools can
best support them. In this article …},
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Community of practice (CoP) is a primary framework in social
computing research that addresses learning and organizing
specific practices in online communities. However, the classic
CoP theory does not provide a detailed account for how practices
change or evolve. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing
occupational landscape, it is crucial to understand how people
participate in online communities focused on practices that have
a volatile nature, as well as how social computing tools can
best support them. In this article …
computing research that addresses learning and organizing
specific practices in online communities. However, the classic
CoP theory does not provide a detailed account for how practices
change or evolve. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing
occupational landscape, it is crucial to understand how people
participate in online communities focused on practices that have
a volatile nature, as well as how social computing tools can
best support them. In this article …
Austin L Toombs; Kellie Morrissey; Emma Simpson; Colin M Gray; John Vines; Madeline Balaam
Supporting the Complex Social Lives of New Parents Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 420:1–420:13, ÄCM”, Montreal QC, Canada, 2018.
@inproceedings{Toombs2018-or,
title = {Supporting the Complex Social Lives of New Parents},
author = {Austin L Toombs and Kellie Morrissey and Emma Simpson and Colin M Gray and John Vines and Madeline Balaam},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in
Computing Systems},
pages = {420:1--420:13},
publisher = {\"{A}CM"},
address = {Montreal QC, Canada},
series = {CHI '18},
keywords = {},
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Amanda Lazar; Austin L Toombs; Kellie Morrissey; Gail Kenning; Jennifer Boger; Rens Brankaert
HCIxDementia Workshop: Engaging People Living with Dementia Proceedings Article
In: Extended Abstracts of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. W01:1–W01:7, ÄCM”, Montreal QC, Canada, 2018.
@inproceedings{Lazar2018-ew,
title = {HCIxDementia Workshop: Engaging People Living with Dementia},
author = {Amanda Lazar and Austin L Toombs and Kellie Morrissey and Gail Kenning and Jennifer Boger and Rens Brankaert},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
booktitle = {Extended Abstracts of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors
in Computing Systems},
pages = {W01:1--W01:7},
publisher = {\"{A}CM"},
address = {Montreal QC, Canada},
series = {CHI EA '18},
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}
A Toombs; L Devendorf; P Shih; E Kaziunas; others
Sociotechnical Systems of Care Proceedings Article
In: dl.acm.org, 2018.
@inproceedings{Toombs2018-tu,
title = {Sociotechnical Systems of Care},
author = {A Toombs and L Devendorf and P Shih and E Kaziunas and others},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Prim. Care Companion J. Clin. Psychiatry},
publisher = {dl.acm.org},
abstract = {The goal of this workshop is to bring together CSCW audiences
who engage in studies and interventions related to care work.
Our aims are to understand how care has been conceptualized in
the extant CSCW community, identify core issues and concerns,
and …},
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The goal of this workshop is to bring together CSCW audiences
who engage in studies and interventions related to care work.
Our aims are to understand how care has been conceptualized in
the extant CSCW community, identify core issues and concerns,
and …
who engage in studies and interventions related to care work.
Our aims are to understand how care has been conceptualized in
the extant CSCW community, identify core issues and concerns,
and …
Y Kou; C Gray; A Toombs; R Adams
Knowledge Production and Social Roles in an Online Community of Emerging Occupation: A Study of User Experience Practitioners on Reddit Journal Article
In: 2018.
@article{Kou2018-da,
title = {Knowledge Production and Social Roles in an Online Community of
Emerging Occupation: A Study of User Experience Practitioners on
Reddit},
author = {Y Kou and C Gray and A Toombs and R Adams},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
abstract = {New occupations are emerging that have high job demand in the
market, but lack a coherent body of disciplinary knowledge. For
example, user experience (UX) design is an emerging occupation
that has not been adequately supported by the traditional
educational system …},
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New occupations are emerging that have high job demand in the
market, but lack a coherent body of disciplinary knowledge. For
example, user experience (UX) design is an emerging occupation
that has not been adequately supported by the traditional
educational system …
market, but lack a coherent body of disciplinary knowledge. For
example, user experience (UX) design is an emerging occupation
that has not been adequately supported by the traditional
educational system …
Austin Toombs; Colin Gray; Guoyang Zhou; Ann Light
Appropriated or Inauthentic Care in Gig-Economy Platforms: A Psycho-linguistic Analysis of Uber and Lyft Proceedings Article
In: Extended Abstracts of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. LBW532:1–LBW532:6, Montreal QC, Canada, 2018.
@inproceedings{Toombs2018-nrb,
title = {Appropriated or Inauthentic Care in Gig-Economy Platforms: A Psycho-linguistic Analysis of Uber and Lyft},
author = {Austin Toombs and Colin Gray and Guoyang Zhou and Ann Light},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
booktitle = {Extended Abstracts of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors
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pages = {LBW532:1--LBW532:6},
address = {Montreal QC, Canada},
series = {CHI EA '18},
abstract = {In this late breaking work, we present preliminary results from
a portion of an auto- ethnography in which an HCI scholar drove
for both Uber and Lyft over the course of 4 months, recording
his thoughts about the driving experience as well as his
experiences with …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
In this late breaking work, we present preliminary results from
a portion of an auto- ethnography in which an HCI scholar drove
for both Uber and Lyft over the course of 4 months, recording
his thoughts about the driving experience as well as his
experiences with …
a portion of an auto- ethnography in which an HCI scholar drove
for both Uber and Lyft over the course of 4 months, recording
his thoughts about the driving experience as well as his
experiences with …
Austin L Toombs; Andy Dow; John Vines; Colin M Gray; Barbara Dennis; Rachel Clarke; Ann Light
Designing for Everyday Care in Communities Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2018 ACM Conference Companion Publication on Designing Interactive Systems, pp. 391–394, Hong Kong, China, 2018.
@inproceedings{Toombs2018-yob,
title = {Designing for Everyday Care in Communities},
author = {Austin L Toombs and Andy Dow and John Vines and Colin M Gray and Barbara Dennis and Rachel Clarke and Ann Light},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2018 ACM Conference Companion Publication
on Designing Interactive Systems},
pages = {391--394},
address = {Hong Kong, China},
series = {DIS '18 Companion},
abstract = {Recent HCI scholarship has begun to incorporate the concept of
care as an alternative design lens, moving beyond health care or
social care to consider care as a fundamental relational quality
of life. This one-day workshop brings together researchers to
find a shared …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
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Recent HCI scholarship has begun to incorporate the concept of
care as an alternative design lens, moving beyond health care or
social care to consider care as a fundamental relational quality
of life. This one-day workshop brings together researchers to
find a shared …
care as an alternative design lens, moving beyond health care or
social care to consider care as a fundamental relational quality
of life. This one-day workshop brings together researchers to
find a shared …
2017
Austin L Toombs
Hackerspace Tropes, Identities, and Community Values Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2017 Conference on Designing Interactive Systems, pp. 1079–1091, dl.acm.org, New York, New York, USA, 2017.
@inproceedings{Toombs2017-bf,
title = {Hackerspace Tropes, Identities, and Community Values},
author = {Austin L Toombs},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2017 Conference on Designing Interactive
Systems},
pages = {1079--1091},
publisher = {dl.acm.org},
address = {New York, New York, USA},
abstract = {Hacking and making practices, participants, spaces, and
communities have been of increasing interest to a range of
fields that study the interactions between people and computing
technologies. As these practices and community models are
adopted into a …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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Hacking and making practices, participants, spaces, and
communities have been of increasing interest to a range of
fields that study the interactions between people and computing
technologies. As these practices and community models are
adopted into a …
communities have been of increasing interest to a range of
fields that study the interactions between people and computing
technologies. As these practices and community models are
adopted into a …
Kellie Morrissey; Amanda Lazar; Jennifer Boger; Austin Toombs
HCIxDementia workshop: the role of technology and design in dementia Proceedings Article
In: dl.acm.org, 2017.
@inproceedings{Morrissey2017-co,
title = {HCIxDementia workshop: the role of technology and design in dementia},
author = {Kellie Morrissey and Amanda Lazar and Jennifer Boger and Austin Toombs},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Proceedings of the 2017 CHI},
publisher = {dl.acm.org},
abstract = {With an increasing amount of work within HCI targeting people
who have dementia, it is important to understand the ways that
various factors influence the technology that is designed for
people with dementia, and the way individuals adopt and use (or
don't use) this …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
With an increasing amount of work within HCI targeting people
who have dementia, it is important to understand the ways that
various factors influence the technology that is designed for
people with dementia, and the way individuals adopt and use (or
don’t use) this …
who have dementia, it is important to understand the ways that
various factors influence the technology that is designed for
people with dementia, and the way individuals adopt and use (or
don’t use) this …
2016
Austin Toombs; Shad Gross; Shaowen Bardzell; Jeffrey Bardzell
From empathy to care: a feminist care ethics perspective on long-term researcher–participant relations Journal Article
In: Interact. Comput., vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 45–57, 2016.
@article{Toombs2016-jn,
title = {From empathy to care: a feminist care ethics perspective on
long-term researcher--participant relations},
author = {Austin Toombs and Shad Gross and Shaowen Bardzell and Jeffrey Bardzell},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Interact. Comput.},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {45--57},
publisher = {Elsevier Science Inc.},
abstract = {Care pervades all interactions between people. Therefore,
research that engages with human participants necessarily
includes care, both from researchers and participants. These
caring relationships are frequently left unaddressed in research
reporting, disguising the fact …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Care pervades all interactions between people. Therefore,
research that engages with human participants necessarily
includes care, both from researchers and participants. These
caring relationships are frequently left unaddressed in research
reporting, disguising the fact …
research that engages with human participants necessarily
includes care, both from researchers and participants. These
caring relationships are frequently left unaddressed in research
reporting, disguising the fact …
A L Toombs
Care and the construction of hacker identities, communities, and society PhD Thesis
2016.
@phdthesis{Toombs2016-ca,
title = {Care and the construction of hacker identities, communities, and society},
author = {A L Toombs},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
publisher = {scholarworks.iu.edu},
abstract = {Recent scholarship in Human-Computer Interaction, science and
technology studies, and design research has focused on hacker
communities as sites of innovation and entrepreneurship, novel
forms of education, and the democratization of technological …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Recent scholarship in Human-Computer Interaction, science and
technology studies, and design research has focused on hacker
communities as sites of innovation and entrepreneurship, novel
forms of education, and the democratization of technological …
technology studies, and design research has focused on hacker
communities as sites of innovation and entrepreneurship, novel
forms of education, and the democratization of technological …
2015
Austin L Toombs; Shaowen Bardzell; Jeffrey Bardzell
The Proper Care and Feeding of Hackerspaces: Care Ethics and Cultures of Making Proceedings Article
In: CHI ’15: Proceedings of the 33rd Annual ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 629–638, New York, New York, USA, 2015.
@inproceedings{Toombs2015-lx,
title = {The Proper Care and Feeding of Hackerspaces: Care Ethics and
Cultures of Making},
author = {Austin L Toombs and Shaowen Bardzell and Jeffrey Bardzell},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
booktitle = {CHI '15: Proceedings of the 33rd Annual ACM Conference on
Human Factors in Computing Systems},
pages = {629--638},
address = {New York, New York, USA},
abstract = {Communities of making have been at the center of attention in
popular, business, political, and academic research circles in
recent years. In HCI, they seem to carry the promise of new
forms of computer use, education, innovation, and even ways of
life. In the West in particular …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Communities of making have been at the center of attention in
popular, business, political, and academic research circles in
recent years. In HCI, they seem to carry the promise of new
forms of computer use, education, innovation, and even ways of
life. In the West in particular …
popular, business, political, and academic research circles in
recent years. In HCI, they seem to carry the promise of new
forms of computer use, education, innovation, and even ways of
life. In the West in particular …
Austin Toombs
Enacting Care Through Collaboration in Communities of Makers Proceedings Article
In: CSCW’15 Companion: Proceedings of the 18th ACM Conference Companion on Computer Supported Cooperative Work & Social Computing, pp. 81–84, dl.acm.org, New York, New York, USA, 2015.
@inproceedings{Toombs2015-bn,
title = {Enacting Care Through Collaboration in Communities of Makers},
author = {Austin Toombs},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
booktitle = {CSCW'15 Companion: Proceedings of the 18th ACM Conference
Companion on Computer Supported Cooperative Work \& Social
Computing},
pages = {81--84},
publisher = {dl.acm.org},
address = {New York, New York, USA},
abstract = {Communities of makers-including hackerspaces, maker spaces,
repair shops, and similar groups-have demonstrated a unique
approach to collaboration and community maintenance. The
dissertation research I discuss in this paper seeks to analyze
this community},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Communities of makers-including hackerspaces, maker spaces,
repair shops, and similar groups-have demonstrated a unique
approach to collaboration and community maintenance. The
dissertation research I discuss in this paper seeks to analyze
this community
repair shops, and similar groups-have demonstrated a unique
approach to collaboration and community maintenance. The
dissertation research I discuss in this paper seeks to analyze
this community
2014
Jeffrey Bardzell; Shaowen Bardzell; Austin Toombs
"Now that’s definitely a proper hack”: Self-made tools in hackerspaces Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pp. 473-476, ACM, New York, New York, USA, 2014.
@inproceedings{Bardzell2014-tv,
title = {"Now that's definitely a proper hack'': Self-made tools in hackerspaces},
author = {Jeffrey Bardzell and Shaowen Bardzell and Austin Toombs},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-04-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
pages = {473-476},
publisher = {ACM},
address = {New York, New York, USA},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Austin Toombs; Shaowen Bardzell; Jeffrey Bardzell
Becoming makers: Hackerspace member habits, values, and identities Journal Article
In: Journal of Peer Production, 2014.
@article{Toombs2014-vv,
title = {Becoming makers: Hackerspace member habits, values, and
identities},
author = {Austin Toombs and Shaowen Bardzell and Jeffrey Bardzell},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Peer Production},
abstract = {This paper explores factors that lead to individuals' adoption of
the maker identity presented in a small town hackerspace. This
paper presents the findings of a 15 month ethnography of the
hackerspace and a series of targeted interviews focused on the
selfmade tools of that …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper explores factors that lead to individuals’ adoption of
the maker identity presented in a small town hackerspace. This
paper presents the findings of a 15 month ethnography of the
hackerspace and a series of targeted interviews focused on the
selfmade tools of that …
the maker identity presented in a small town hackerspace. This
paper presents the findings of a 15 month ethnography of the
hackerspace and a series of targeted interviews focused on the
selfmade tools of that …
2011
Shaowen Bardzell; Shad Gross; Jeffrey Wain; Austin Toombs; Jeffrey Bardzell
The significant screwdriver: care, domestic masculinity, and interaction design Proceedings Article
In: BCS-HCI ’11: Proceedings of the 25th BCS Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, pp. 371–377, British Computer Society, 2011.
@inproceedings{Bardzell2011-vq,
title = {The significant screwdriver: care, domestic masculinity, and
interaction design},
author = {Shaowen Bardzell and Shad Gross and Jeffrey Wain and Austin Toombs and Jeffrey Bardzell},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
booktitle = {BCS-HCI '11: Proceedings of the 25th BCS Conference on
Human-Computer Interaction},
pages = {371--377},
publisher = {British Computer Society},
abstract = {HCI is increasingly recognizing its accountability to
stakeholders beyond individual end users. The field now
acknowledges that interaction designs participate in social
formations, exerting political force whether or not designers
intend them to. Inspired by the commitment to social issues
common to the arts, architecture, and the humanities, we present
the Significant Screwdriver, a research through design pro-ject
that explicitly seeks to transgress social norms regarding the
gendered division of labour in the do-mestic sphere in hopes of
yielding insights or orientations toward improving the quality
of domestic life.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
HCI is increasingly recognizing its accountability to
stakeholders beyond individual end users. The field now
acknowledges that interaction designs participate in social
formations, exerting political force whether or not designers
intend them to. Inspired by the commitment to social issues
common to the arts, architecture, and the humanities, we present
the Significant Screwdriver, a research through design pro-ject
that explicitly seeks to transgress social norms regarding the
gendered division of labour in the do-mestic sphere in hopes of
yielding insights or orientations toward improving the quality
of domestic life.
stakeholders beyond individual end users. The field now
acknowledges that interaction designs participate in social
formations, exerting political force whether or not designers
intend them to. Inspired by the commitment to social issues
common to the arts, architecture, and the humanities, we present
the Significant Screwdriver, a research through design pro-ject
that explicitly seeks to transgress social norms regarding the
gendered division of labour in the do-mestic sphere in hopes of
yielding insights or orientations toward improving the quality
of domestic life.
Shad Gross; Austin Toombs; Jeff Wain; Kevin Walorski
Foodmunity: designing community interactions over food Proceedings Article
In: pp. 1019, dl.acm.org, New York, New York, USA, 2011.
@inproceedings{Gross2011-me,
title = {Foodmunity: designing community interactions over food},
author = {Shad Gross and Austin Toombs and Jeff Wain and Kevin Walorski},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {CHI EA '11: CHI '11 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
pages = {1019},
publisher = {dl.acm.org},
address = {New York, New York, USA},
abstract = {Communities contain a rich diversity of backgrounds, personal
experiences, and viewpoints. Fortunately, online social networks
can make it even easier for people within a community to meet
each other. This leads to an opportunity space for exposing
people to the differences of …},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Communities contain a rich diversity of backgrounds, personal
experiences, and viewpoints. Fortunately, online social networks
can make it even easier for people within a community to meet
each other. This leads to an opportunity space for exposing
people to the differences of …
experiences, and viewpoints. Fortunately, online social networks
can make it even easier for people within a community to meet
each other. This leads to an opportunity space for exposing
people to the differences of …
miscellaneous publications
We wrote about our experience trying to generate a robot-facilitated social picnic on medium here. This was a quick pilot project to see if we would be interested in using the Starship delivery robots as a way to help people gather.