Moving beyond prototypes: an approach equitable technology translation
New ETL working paper proposes a novel framework for "User-Directed Translation" (UDT) to adapt new technologies for diverse socio-economic and political contexts, promoting equitable outcomes.
Conventional technology development often neglects local realities, leading to or compounding inequalities.
Focusing on the translation phase - where technologies move from prototypes towards suitability for wide scale use - ETL working paper (PDF 
, 288kb) proposes a UDT framework emphasizes collaborative approaches, allowing users to refine technical and social features to fit their environments and emphasises the potential of modular design, community governance, and equitable usage strategies.
Drawing from interdisciplinary studies, it argues for participatory methods that empower users to modify technologies while addressing power dynamics and contextual factors.