Pass the ball: Designing accountability into the socio-technical context of algorithmic systems

Master thesis (2018)

Authors

L.J. Albeda Applied Sciences

Contributors

Gerd Kortuem (mentor)
N. Tromp (graduation committee member)
S.M. Flipse (graduation committee member)
M.J. de Vries (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2018 Laurien Albeda
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Published Date

20-09-2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

Algorithms are all around us. Based on large amounts of data and through automated decision-making processes, they increasingly exercise power over us. As a way of governing this power, we should be able to hold these algorithms and those responsible for implementing them accountable. This research posed the following research question: How can algorithmic accountability be implemented by design?

A literature review of the theory related to algorithmic accountability was executed, which led to a framework of five aspects that are required for achieving it: responsibility, explainability, debatability, auditability and sanctionability. Within a design case study, the implementation of these five aspects was investigated.

Based on the insights from research and design activities in this research, I conclude that the following guidelines will structure the process of designing accountability mechanisms:

(1) Understand the context in which the algorithm is created and employed;
(2) anticipate unwanted developments or effects of the system;
(3) design context-specific accountability mechanisms based on these findings.