A sociotechnical approach to smart card systems design: An Australian case study

Sociotechnical theory represents an important frontier as an effective design tool for new technology. This paper suggests a working model for adopting the objectives of sociotechnical principles for smart card systems design. As an example, a case study based on the collective design practices of Australian firms known to be using smart card is presented. It is found that we are witnessing the birth of a new capacity of Australian firms to understand in a practical way, how sociotechnical knowledge can be applied. It is concluded that current smart card design practices of Australian firms are not responsible for the limited success of attempts by Australian firms to introduce smart card technology. Rather, it is suggested that there are good economic and organizational reasons why smart card acceptance and use in Australia may have been inhibited. Some important challenges that must be addressed have been noted.