Designing a Smart Electric Vehicle Charge Point of Algorithmic Transparency

Doing Harm by Doing Good?

Conference paper (2020)

Authors

A.I. Keller Design Conceptualization and Communication - IDE
Copyright: © 2020 Kars Alfrink, N. Doorn, A.I. Keller, G.W. Kortuem
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Published Date

2020

Language

English

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Abstract

The increasing use of algorithms in cities has come under scrutiny. Transparency is widely seen as a way to ensure their fairness and accountability. We investigate how al- gorithmic transparency helps citizens understand smart electric vehicle charge points and how its conception differs between experts and citizens. Using a research-through-
design approach we collaborated over a 10-month period with companies and Amsterdam municipality to prototype and evaluate a transparent smart electric vehicle charge
point. We find that experts believe transparency is pro- duced by truthful information about inputs, processes and outcomes, that this information aids understanding and is
actionable. We also find that citizens are indifferent to al-gorithmic decision-making when it serves common interests. Furthermore, transparency invites gaming, creates
expectations of control, and adds to the cognitive burden of an already stressful task. Our findings suggest algorithmic transparency benefits professional stakeholders more than
the citizens it is claimed to serve.