M-Kulinda: Exploring Domestic Security in Rural Kenya Using Home Alert Syste

The use of sensor-based technologies is pervasive in today's world, especially in the developed world where its applications are well realized. From smart homes to tracking locations to monitoring health, sensor-based technologies are becoming ubiquitous. However, the role of sensor-based technologies in a rural Kenyan household is underexplored. In this thesis, I explore the potential of a sensor-based technology probe's approach to enhancing domestic security in rural Kenyan households, where property theft is a persistent problem. A technology probe is a research product that collects information, tests a technology and inspires users and designers about other ways technology can be used to support their needs. The 'technology probes' approach was used to allow participates to reflect on a new technology in their homes and provides data to researchers based on their reflections. I designed "M-Kulinda", and deployed it in 20 households for four weeks. Over a four week period, participants recorded their experiences with M-Kulinda in diaries and through data logging (M-Kulinda recorded time stamps when the system was used).;The study also used semi-structured interviews and observations to understand participants' experiences with the sensor-based system. These methods of data collection were complemented by pictures I took during home visits and field notes I wrote each and every day. Findings suggest that a technology probe's approach is useful: I found that participants used the system in ways that addressed their specific needs (e.g., monitoring poultry, electronic possessions, and their family members). These uses are novel in the sense that participants used M-Kulinda in different ways to achieve the same purpose. I also observed changes in participants' understanding of sensors: M-Kulinda prompted participants to reflect on other areas where sensors could be used in their households. I present design implications based on these findings, and offer new perspectives on the role of technology in deterring crime. Additionally, findings suggested that crime detection systems in rural Kenya prevent burglary. M-Kulinda's success also suggested that there is a potential in crime detection systems to foster neighborhood cohesion for residents who are living close to each other thereby reducing burglary. The study has shown that residents in rural areas have interest in using sensor-based technologies to solve their problems however there are constraints which prevent them from fully realizing the potential of sensors in their lives. These constraints mainly include electrical power and network problems. The implications of this research encourages researchers in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) in the design space to incorporate solutions to constraints that hinder people in the developing world from using technology. For example, knowing that power failure in developing countries is a major problem, designers cannot include alternative sources of power in their designs thereby solving power problems. The study also contributes to HCI by showing the positive impact of using technology probes of different research products in different settings to understand how people in that particular setting would use that particular product. Sensors should also be used to complement already existing measures of security in the home.