‘Invented-on-the-fly’ mobile application for disaster response: Construction of technological frames and impact

The natural disaster response efforts are time-constrained, requiring quick and on-the-fly development and the adoption of technological innovations to meet the ever-changing contextual requirements. However, there are limited available insights on implementing and managing those ‘invented-on-the-fly’ innovations. This study draws upon sensemaking and technological frames to examine the adoption process of an on-the-fly developed mobile app in the context of the Gaja cyclone in India. Our findings inform that the adoption of technological innovation in disaster response is linked to its ‘features’ that actors draw upon in their sensemaking process and forming their technological frames. Initial sensemaking and technological framing may involve ‘concrete features’. However, the later sensemaking of evolving contingencies may include discovering various ‘abstract features’ in action. Discoveries of abstract features in action trigger reframing, leading to a congruent technological frame and better exploitation of innovations. Given that natural disasters are occurring more frequently, findings from our study provide critical insights into managing technology innovations in these contexts. The revelation of the role of features in technological (re)framing also enriches the analytical power of the technological frame lens.