Paper Number
ECIS2026-1691
Paper Type
SP
Abstract
This paper challenges the digital-by-default assumption in Information Systems design by introducing de-digitalisation: the deliberate rollback, restriction, or hybridisation of digital systems when analogue, human-mediated or hybrid modalities better serve societal, organisational, or human goals and values. Using problematization and Critical Interpretive Synthesis, the study analyses 38 contemporary cases of de-digitalisation mostly in the highly digitalized societies of Sweden and the Netherlands, but also in wider Europe and globally. These cases span domains such as education, finance, public administration, safety-critical systems, and hospitality. The paper identifies eight value rationales for de-digitalisation: accessibility & inclusion, well-being, safety & security, effectiveness & efficiency, trust in system, resilience & continuity, autonomy & control, and human connection. Based on these values, the paper proposes a set of evaluative tests to guide ex-ante decisions about whether (full) digitalisation is appropriate. The findings expand the IS design space and advocate for reflective, value-sensitive modality selection.
Recommended Citation
van Kuijk, Jasper, "Beyond The Digital Default: Value Rationales For De-Digitalisation" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 9.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/gen_track/gen_track/9
Beyond The Digital Default: Value Rationales For De-Digitalisation
This paper challenges the digital-by-default assumption in Information Systems design by introducing de-digitalisation: the deliberate rollback, restriction, or hybridisation of digital systems when analogue, human-mediated or hybrid modalities better serve societal, organisational, or human goals and values. Using problematization and Critical Interpretive Synthesis, the study analyses 38 contemporary cases of de-digitalisation mostly in the highly digitalized societies of Sweden and the Netherlands, but also in wider Europe and globally. These cases span domains such as education, finance, public administration, safety-critical systems, and hospitality. The paper identifies eight value rationales for de-digitalisation: accessibility & inclusion, well-being, safety & security, effectiveness & efficiency, trust in system, resilience & continuity, autonomy & control, and human connection. Based on these values, the paper proposes a set of evaluative tests to guide ex-ante decisions about whether (full) digitalisation is appropriate. The findings expand the IS design space and advocate for reflective, value-sensitive modality selection.
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