Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the role of both human and non-human actors in shaping social networks and creating outcomes. It was developed by French sociologists Bruno Latour and Michel Callon in the 1980s and has since been used in a variety of fields, including sociology, anthropology, and design. At its core, ANT posits that actors are any element that plays a role in a network, including humans, technologies, and organizations. Networks are formed through relationships between actors and are constantly in flux, with actors competing for resources and power. ANT focuses on how networks can be used to not only understand how certain elements interact and create outcomes, but also how certain outcomes can be used to influence the network itself. One key aspect of ANT is the concept of translation, which refers to the process by which actors are enrolled in a network and their interests and goals are aligned with those of other actors in the network. This process involves negotiation, persuasion, and the creation of new meanings and values. Another important concept in ANT is the idea of black boxes, which are technologies or other elements that are taken for granted and not fully understood by actors in a network. ANT seeks to unpack these black boxes and understand how they shape the network and its outcomes. Overall, ANT provides a powerful framework for understanding the complex interplay between human and non-human actors in social networks. By examining how actors are enrolled in networks and how black boxes shape those networks, researchers can gain new insights into the workings of society and technology.
social theory, networks, translation, black boxes, society and technology
Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is a social theory developed in the 1980s by French sociologists Bruno Latour and Michel Callon. ANT is a powerful tool in design, as it emphasizes the importance of both human and non-human actors in the technological and social networks that shape design processes. ANT encourages designers to consider the interplay between individual people, the environment, and the technological networks that shape the development and use of products. ANT can be used as a way to explore and understand the relationships between people, technology, and the environment by examining how they interact with each other. ANT also provides insights into user behavior, which can guide the development of better user experience designs. ANT promotes collaboration and dialogue between actors in the network and is an effective way to build empathy among users.
networks, social theory, Bruno Latour, Michel Callon, user experience, actors, environment, collaboration, dialogue, empathy, technology.
Actor–Network Theory (ANT) is an approach to social theory and research that emphasizes the ways in which social and technological elements are intertwined. It is based on the idea that humans as well as non-human elements, such as machines, computers, organizations, and animals, can shape social networks and create outcomes that can be documented and studied. In ANT, actors are understood to be any element that plays a role in the network, including humans, technologies, and organizations. Networks are formed through relationships between actors and are seen as constantly in flux, with actors competing for resources and power. ANT focuses on how networks can be used to not only understand how certain elements interact and create outcomes, but also how certain outcomes can be used to influence the network itself.
Actor-Network Theory, Social Relations, Technological Elements, Interactions, Networks.
CITATION : "Lauren Moore. 'Actor-Network Theory.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=189312 (Accessed on July 05, 2025)"
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