Socio-technical systems as 'machines for learning'

In this position paper, we take a concept – or parts of it – and run away with it (Mol 2002) to explore its potential to better understand the non/appropriation of technologies by people in later life. We introduce the concept of the city as a machine for learning developed by Colin McFarlane (2011) in the field of urban studies. We identify elements we consider inspiring for the study of socio-technical systems, translate them to smaller entities of human-technology interactions and test their usability to analyze how older people in later life integrate digital technologies in their everyday lives. We do so from two distinct vantage points, i.e. empirical contexts: A participatory design project of a neighborhood platform and related privacy issues from the perspective of older tenants, and the introduction of a new automated emergency call system in seniors’ apartments in a serviced senior living facility. We conclude with the suggestion to understand the concept “machine for learning” as a normative notion and a claim to accept the challenge it implies.