Widely implemented Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs, e.g. smartphones, voice assistants, PCs, search interfaces, internet tools) are positioned today as "intuitive" technologies with the potential to, or already providing democratic access to information. Yet, diverse groups of users (e.g. older adults, emerging tech users, non-visual users, users with disabilities) have been reported to be on the peripheries of such a promised claim of access over time. The intuition in using such technologies appears in a normative type of user, an expert user who uses technology at the workplace and home. Using an investigative method of comparison of diverse users' behavior with normative user behavior, differences in ICT use emerging from ecological contexts; historic, socio- economic, are made to appear as problems within users - a lack of proficiency, digital affinity or ability. But, history of research on technology use shows a sampling problem in considering only the normative user type in research around users' model forming. Instead of asking what models users typically form (since there can be no singular model), we can ask how users form models of systems drawing from their variable ecological contexts? In other words, how can technology development processes consider user's subjective/local experience with systems, and their subjective models of systems? Finally, what does it mean for intelligent systems and tools that form ICTs today - search & retrieval, recommendation, operating systems etc. 

 I draw on theoretical frameworks and empirical methods in Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), Cognitive science and Sociology. I study diverse user groups, and use mixed method approaches to situate their thought processes in learning and using  technology within their diverse contexts.