How to Weigh Values in Value Sensitive Design: A Best Worst Method Approach for the Case of Smart Metering

Area of Science:

• Technology Ethics
• Societal Impact Assessment
• Value-Focused Technology Design

Background:

• Ethical and societal considerations are crucial for new technology acceptance.
• While stakeholder values are often identified, their relative importance is less studied.
• Smart meters represent a key technology where value assessment is pertinent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and test the best worst method for weighting stakeholder values in technology development.
• To evaluate the applicability of this method to smart meters and the smart grid.
• To examine the importance of values across sociopolitical, market, and household acceptance dimensions.

Main Methods:

• The best worst method was employed to determine the relative weights of identified values.
• The method was applied in an evaluative manner to the case of smart meters.
• Value importance was analyzed concerning three acceptance dimensions: sociopolitical, market, and household.

Main Results:

• The best worst method proved applicable for quantifying the relative importance of values for smart meters.
• Distinct value profiles emerged for sociopolitical, market, and household acceptance dimensions.
• This provides a quantitative basis for understanding value trade-offs in technology adoption.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing ethical and societal values through methods like the best worst method can enhance technology acceptance.
• Understanding the nuanced importance of values across different acceptance dimensions is key for successful technology implementation.
• The study demonstrates a practical approach to integrating value-based assessments into technology design and policy.