Human-centered approaches to technology: a review within a tourism context

truls engstrom; Anne-Sofie  Engelschiøn

doi:10.53615/2232-5697.14.328-337

Authors

Dr. Truls Engström University of Stavanger https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4057-9603
Anne Sofie Engelschiøn University of Stavanger https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3596-0200

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53615/2232-5697.14.328-337

Keywords:

Tourism; Technology; Human‑centered; Digital humanism; Review; CriticalTourism

Abstract

Purpose: This paper lays the groundwork for future research by clarifying how a human‑centered perspective can be applied in tourism to harness digital technology for stakeholder value creation and enhanced human experience.

Study design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review following the PRISMA protocol was conducted across Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, and Hospitality & Tourism Complete to identify studies addressing human‑centeredness in tourism.

Findings: The concept is at an embryonic stage in tourism scholarship. Terminology is inconsistent and few studies apply human‑centered theory in depth; gaps exist around technology‑supported co‑creation, network integration, and human agency in digital environments.

Originality/value: By unifying the historical emancipatory view of human‑centeredness with tourism research, the study offers a reference framework for critically assessing digital technology adoption beyond profit‑driven narratives.

Author Biographies

Dr. Truls Engström, University of Stavanger

Truls Engström is an Associate professor at University of Stavanger and the former dean at the Norwegian school of hotel Management
Anne Sofie Engelschiøn, University of Stavanger

Anne-Sofie Engelschiøn is a Norwegian entrepreneur and academic renowned for her leadership in technology-driven initiatives and start-ups. As the co-founder of Bolder, she has championed the development of innovative, human-centered solutions that prioritize value creation through collaboration and empathy. Beyond the tech world, she is currently pursuing a Phd i Services management reflecting her interes in the intersection of technology , philosofy and society.