Empathy is probably not the first word that comes to mind when thinking about manufacturing, but it is turning out to be a game-changer in how new technologies enter the industry.
Through a unique research project, BCU researchers are investigating how a greater understanding of workers' emotions could smooth out the transition to new technologies in manufacturing and construction. How can we ensure that people who would use new technology and tools are fully prepared and supported?
This project puts the feelings of workers into focus when they are adopting new digital technologies. It gives company leaders a place for addressing concerns, whether excitement or anxiety, in relation to new tool introductions, to make the process smoother and more effective.
BCU researchers are working on creating a toolkit which will support companies in assessing their workforce's 'readiness' for digital transformation, helping to manage the shift in a supportive, human-focused way.
Throughout the project, the interdisciplinary team of researchers have:
• Created an empathy-led tool to identify emotions towards emerging technologies in the pre-adoption stages
• Delivered 2 workshops
• Engaged with 120 academics
• Engaged with 56 industry professionals
• Mentored 47 students to follow empathy-led change
• Travelled 5714 miles
• Presented at 3 international conferences
The project advocates for the users of digital technology, such as the workforce in the UK manufacturing and construction sector, by deeply understanding their emotions towards adopting new technology before it is introduced in their day-to-day work.
Led by Dr. Mersha Aftab, the project engages with Birmingham-based construction and manufacturing organisations through workshops, allowing workers to feel more open toward embracing digital tools.
Sessions have shown that emotions toward technology are complex - from curiosity to fear - and are usually connected with larger issues, such as job security and skill development.
It highlights the need for empathetic strategies that respect the emotions of workers and make digital adoption more inclusive. This is an innovative approach whereby businesses can create a workplace culture that's ready not just for the future, but to embrace it.
The outcomes of the project are:
Aftab, M., Yee Goh, M., Grant, R. & Yeveseva, I., Design for manufacturing: Rehumanising digital manufacturing. 15 Jun 2024, In: Design Research Society. p. 1 4 p., https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2024/editorials/11/.
Aftab, M., Yee Goh, M., Yevseyeva, I., Uner, I. & Nassiumah, I., A Systematic Literature Review on Identifying Readiness for Digital Adoption: An empathy-led approach to measuring readiness for digital adoption through individual’s psychological variables. 1 Aug 2024, DMI: Academic Design Management Conference: Design & Innovation at a Crossroad. Design Management Institute, p. 1122 - 1130 1315 p. 1122
Aftab, M., Yee Goh, M., Yeveseyeva, I., Uner, I. & Nassiumah, I., Empathy-led Digital Adoption towards Happy and Sustainable Workforce. 10 Jul 2024. 31st International Conference on Transdisciplinary Engineering 2024: Engineering for Social Change.