The human race has indeed gone far with technology. From the age when he still used wooden and stone tools to a powerful era of silicon and steel, he ceased to be a helpless prey to a number of predators to become a god among beasts.
And now, technology and human way of life have somewhat become inseparable. Everywhere we look, we see its manifestations—from the largest aircraft to the smallest microcomputer chip.
Some even cannot do without their gadgets beside them. Technology has become a beast of burden of our time—doing things we usually do in the past, like an able servant at his master’s side, ready to help him whenever need arises. Man created technology to serve this purpose, so that he can then face the more challenging problems ahead.
But what if this technology, by all means, becomes uncontrollable by human hands? What if this beast of burden eventually becomes a monster? Could this same technology, which has brought us to a state of luxury and civilization, also lead us to our own ruin? From the evolution of military weapons, to the advent of the nuclear age, man is gradually realizing the fact that his little creation would someday take him to the very edges of his capacities.
But despite all this, this fact still holds true: that however powerful it could become, technology is still just one of man’s tools, and will remain as such. It’s still up to is possessor on how he will apply the power he possesses—whether as a tool of progress, or an element of destruction. It may have brought people closer together, but not necessarily on friendly terms.
It has brought us times of peace, as well as wars and struggles; it has brought us great prosperities, as well as dismal catastrophes. And now, the Environment is being trampled, and people blame technology for it. Countless wars have sprung, they say technology is the culprit; animals are being led to extinction, and they say technology is the one accountable of all.
Through technology, we have created and developed new beginnings, at the cost of many end. Yet, technology should never be blamed for all of this, but the wrong use of it. The effect of technology on our surroundings is the complete reflection of our values.
Therefore, we should develop the proper culture so as to effectively administer this technology that we have. We should prove to be worthy of its possession, for technology and Corruption is a bad combination.
“Technology with a Human Face” by E.F. Schumacher
E.F. Schumacher was an economist of international repute and the author of the book titled “Small is Beautiful”: A study of economics as if people mattered. This essay “Technology with a Human Face” is taken from his book “Small is Beautiful”.
In this essay Schumacher expresses his fear and concern about the inhuman nature of modern technology which is taking the world from crisis to crisis and says that a new type of technology called self-help technology is needed so that everyone including old men and children can work with their clever brain and two skilful hands with great satisfaction.
Schumacher says that the laws and principles of technology are different from those of human nature. The system of nature is based on self-balancing, self-adjusting and self-cleansing. But technology does not have any self-limit principle.
As a result modern world faces three crises simultaneously. Modern technology destroys human life and Nature.
Secondly non-renewable Resources such as fossil fuels are running short and finally it creates pollution and Global Warming.
Schumacher says that industrialisation of twenty five years could only bring illusory success because the two big problems of Unemployment and POVERTY could not be solved and even in the developed countries unemployment problem is very serious. He says that the primary task of technology is to reduce the burden of man’s work so that he can enjoy life and relax. But modern technology is eliminating skilful, productive and creative work of human hands and brains.
Modern technology is gigantic, highly complicated and needed huge capital Investment. Only the rich can afford to run modern factories. These labour saving machines makes the rich richer and poor poorer and unemployment and poverty increases all over the world.
Thomas Aquinas, the great Italian philosopher and theologian defines man as a being who wants to enjoy doing work with his hands and brains. But in the modern world such work is being done by machines. Such work has become very rare and one has to be immensely rich enough to get such creative, productive and useful work. Instead people get fragmented work which is so boring that workers suffer from neurosis.
Schumacher says that only less than one sixth of the total Population of the world is engaged in actual production of goods. It means that the proportion of “total social time” spent on actual production is only 3.5 per cent. The other 96.5 per cent of ‘total social time’ is spent in other ways including sleeping, eating, watching television, doing jobs that are not directly productive, or just killing time.
Karl Max, the founder of Communism and author of Das Capital had foreseen this tragedy. He said that production of too many useful things, lead to too many useless people. All this confirms our suspicion that modern technology is showing an increasingly inhuman face.
We have so far, possessed a vast accumulation of new knowledge which include splendid scientific techniques to increase this knowledge further and immense practical experience in its application. This is called truthful knowledge. But so far, we have made an unwise and destructive use of our technology because we never get enjoyment in our work.
Therefore Schumacher suggests an idea that the productive time of 3.5% of total social time to be increased to 20% of total social time. If this wonderful idea is put into practice, even children and old people would be able to do creative, productive and useful work and they can enjoy doing it with their clever brain and two skilful hands.
The therapeutic and educational value of such enjoyable and useful work will be blessing for all people in the world. Then no one wants to raise the school leaving age or to lower the retirement age.
Everybody would welcome the opportunity of working usefully, creatively with his own hands and brains in his own time at his own pace and with excellent tools. People who work in this way do not know the difference between work and leisure because the work itself is full of pleasure and enjoyment!
Schumacher is a great admirer of Mahatma Gandhi and tries to follow his teaching in the scientific ideas about the new life-style he has visualised in this essay.
Gandhiji said that the poor of the world cannot be helped by mass production, only by production by the mass. According to Schumacher, a new technology with a human face should be introduced.
The present inhuman technology is based on mass production with highly capital investment and high energy input where workers are mere slaves of work and the rich owner makes huge profit.
This system should be changed and a new technology with a human face should be introduced. Instead of mass production, the new system is based on production by the masses.
All people, young and old can work with their skilful hands and clever brains with first class tools in their own time and speed and then work would be great pleasure for them.
In concluding his essay, Schumacher says that the technology of production by the masses is called “the intermediate technology” because this technology is far superior to the primitive technology of old days, but at the same time much simpler, cheaper and freer than the super technology of the rich.
The intermediate technology can also be called ‘self- help technology or democratic or people’s technology. This technology is making use of the best of modern knowledge and experience, suitable for the laws of ECOLOGY, gentle in its use of Natural Resources and designed to serve human being instead of making him the servant of machine.
In 1933, Rabindranath Tagore, an internationally acclaimed poet, philosopher, social reformer, wrote a short essay entitled: “Can Science be Humanized?” In that essay, Tagore drove the point home that:
“Knowledge is not enough – be it scientific or philosophical – unless we have been able to transform it into the well being of those who need it most.”
With that motto as the guiding principle, “Society for Technology with a Human Face” was conceived and founded in 2006 to serve the impoverished communities in India and other neighboring countries.
Science and technology are the primary tools that we use to address and mitigate water, sanitation and Education problems in building strong, self-sufficient communities.
Society for Technology with a Human Face (STHF) focuses on water, sanitation, and education issues around the world.
Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and excellent education do not reach hundreds of millions of people each year.
STHF works on these issues by using a Human Rights lens and follows the philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, bolstering sustainable solutions derived and controlled by communities.
STHF helps improve the basic Quality Of Life around the world with the hope of generating new knowledge and new wealth.
The arsenic removal system designed by Dr. Arup SenGupta’s team at Lehigh University for rural communities in India is now being used in arsenic affected areas in the United States.
This flow of knowledge goes in the opposite direction than typical engineering innovations; most science and technology are developed in the West and transferred to the “Rest” without contextualizing the borrowed project. SenGupta’s system moved in the other direction.
Moreover, the engineering feat to solve a Health problem (high levels of arsenic) generated social, cultural, and economic wealth by providing the platform for community organization (e.g., the formation of water councils, pictured below right, to collect a small fee for the clean water) and Entrepreneurship (e.g., water councils using its profit to micro finance other community projects, and the creation of a water-bicycle to bring water from the central filtration system to homes, see picture at left).
STHF creates a platform to stimulate an intercultural dialogue around the world where human dignity and individuality are revered. STHF sees water, sanitation, and education as moral, human right issues, and hopes to encourage other foundations and individuals to do the same.
STHF instills the power of education in communities to attain self-sustenance among all people. Education is central in development; yet education must be specific to the community it serves.
STHF Shares in the belief of Education for All, but more so in contextualization as paramount for the success of educational practices worldwide.
Through education, communities around the world can begin to re-imagine their world, feel the power of Empathy and care, and become active and empowered citizens.
STHF serves as a springboard for the implementation of external projects that embody the spirit of the Rabindranath Tagore.
Therefore, STHF not only runs its own projects but also supports other non-profits who exemplify Tagore’s message of peace.
We recognize that the STHF is an organization of modest means while its goals are exceedingly ambitious.
Nevertheless, in agreement with the spirit of Tagore’s life-long endeavors, we reiterate his words, “it is always better to Light just one candle at a time than cursing the overwhelming darkness.”
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Technology With A Human Face
Technology has become an integral part of our lives. We use it to communicate, to learn, to work, and to entertain ourselves. But how often do we stop to think about the human impact of technology?
In this ARTICLE, we will explore the concept of technology with a human face. We will discuss the human-centered design process, user experience design, user interface design, interaction design, information architecture, accessibility, ethics and design, and the future of technology with a human face.
Introduction to Technology With A Human Face
Technology with a human face is a term used to describe technology that is designed with the user in mind. It is technology that is easy to use, intuitive, and enjoyable to interact with. Technology with a human face is often used in products and Services that are designed to improve the quality of life for people.
The Human-Centered Design Process
The human-centered design process is a methodology for designing products and services that are centered on the needs and wants of the user. The process begins with understanding the user’s needs and goals. Once the user’s needs are understood, the designer can begin to develop solutions that meet those needs. The human-centered design process is iterative, meaning that the designer continually tests and refines the design with the user until it is a good fit.
User Experience Design
User experience design (UX design) is the process of designing products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. UX designers focus on the user’s experience of using a product or service, from the initial interaction to the final outcome. They use a variety of methods to understand the user’s needs and goals, and then they design solutions that meet those needs.
User Interface Design
User interface design (UI design) is the process of designing the look and feel of a product or service. UI designers focus on the visual Elements of a product or service, such as the layout, the colors, and the fonts. They use a variety of methods to create a user interface that is easy to use and visually appealing.
Interaction Design
Interaction design (IxD) is the process of designing how users interact with a product or service. IxD designers focus on the way that users interact with the product or service, from the initial input to the final output. They use a variety of methods to create an interaction design that is efficient, effective, and enjoyable.
Information Architecture
Information architecture (IA) is the process of organizing and structuring information in a way that is easy to find and use. IA designers focus on the way that information is presented to the user, from the initial search to the final retrieval. They use a variety of methods to create an information architecture that is efficient, effective, and enjoyable.
Accessibility
Accessibility is the practice of designing products and services that can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. Accessibility designers focus on making products and services accessible to people with a variety of disabilities, such as visual impairments, hearing impairments, and mobility impairments. They use a variety of methods to make products and services accessible, such as using text-to-speech Software, providing captions for Videos, and designing products that can be used with a keyboard or a mouse.
Ethics and Design
Ethics is the study of what is right and wrong. Ethics in design is the study of the ethical implications of designing products and services. Ethical designers focus on designing products and services that are safe, responsible, and fair. They use a variety of methods to ensure that their designs are ethical, such as conducting ethical audits, consulting with ethicists, and creating codes of ethics.
The Future of Technology With A Human Face
The future of technology with a human face is bright. As technology continues to evolve, we will see even more products and services that are designed with the user in mind. We will see technology that is more intuitive, more enjoyable to interact with, and more accessible to everyone. Technology with a human face has the potential to improve the quality of life for people all over the world.
Here are some frequently asked questions about technology with a human face:
What is technology with a human face? Technology with a human face is the use of technology to improve the lives of people. It can be used to provide people with access to information, education, healthcare, and other essential services. It can also be used to connect people with each other and to make their lives more convenient.
What are some examples of technology with a human face? Some examples of technology with a human face include:
Mobile phones: Mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives. They allow us to stay connected with friends and family, to access information, and to do business.
The Internet: The internet has revolutionized the way we live and work. It has made it possible for us to access information and services from anywhere in the world.
Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have connected people from all over the world. They have also made it possible for people to share their thoughts and experiences with others.
E-Commerce: E-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay have made it possible for people to buy and sell goods and services online.
Online education: Online education platforms like Coursera and Udacity have made it possible for people to learn new skills and knowledge from anywhere in the world.
Telemedicine: Telemedicine platforms like Teladoc and Doctor on Demand have made it possible for people to get medical advice and treatment from their doctors without having to leave their homes.
What are the benefits of technology with a human face? The benefits of technology with a human face are numerous. It can help to improve people’s lives in many ways, including:
Providing access to information: Technology can provide people with access to information that they would not otherwise have. This can help them to make better decisions about their lives.
Improving education: Technology can be used to improve education by providing students with access to high-quality educational resources. It can also be used to personalize education for each student.
Delivering healthcare: Technology can be used to deliver healthcare to people who would not otherwise have access to it. This can help to improve people’s health and well-being.
Connecting people: Technology can be used to connect people with each other. This can help to build relationships and communities.
Making life more convenient: Technology can be used to make people’s lives more convenient. This can include things like online shopping, online Banking, and online travel booking.
What are the challenges of technology with a human face? The challenges of technology with a human face include:
The digital divide: The digital divide is the gap between people who have access to technology and those who do not. This gap can be due to factors such as income, education, and location.
The digital skills gap: The digital skills gap is the gap between the skills that people need to use technology and the skills that they actually have. This gap can be due to factors such as age, education, and EMPLOYMENT.
The digital addiction gap: The digital addiction gap is the gap between people who are addicted to technology and those who are not. This gap can be due to factors such as Personality, mental health, and environment.
The digital privacy gap: The digital privacy gap is the gap between the amount of personal data that is collected about people and the amount of control that people have over that data. This gap can be due to factors such as government regulation, corporate policy, and consumer awareness.
The digital security gap: The digital security gap is the gap between the amount of security that is needed to protect people from online threats and the amount of security that is actually in place. This gap can be due to factors such as technology, human error, and malicious intent.
What is the future of technology with a human face? The future of technology with a human face is bright. Technology will continue to evolve and become more powerful. It will also become more affordable and accessible. This will allow more people to benefit from the many advantages that technology has to offer.
However, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that technology is used in a way that benefits all of humanity. These challenges include the digital divide, the digital skills gap, the digital addiction gap, the digital privacy gap, and the digital security gap.
It is important to work together to address these challenges so that technology can be used to improve the lives of all people.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer or machine to mimic the capabilities of a human brain. This includes learning from experience, solving problems, and making decisions.
Machine learning is a type of AI that allows computers to learn without being explicitly programmed. This is done by feeding the computer data and allowing it to find patterns on its own.
Natural language processing (NLP) is a field of AI that deals with the interaction between computers and human language. This includes tasks such as understanding text, generating text, and translating languages.
Here are some MCQs on these topics:
Which of the following is not a type of AI? (A) Artificial intelligence (B) Machine learning (C) Natural language processing (D) Robotics
Which of the following is not a task that can be performed by machine learning? (A) Learning from experience (B) Solving problems (C) Making decisions (D) Creating art
Which of the following is not a task that can be performed by natural language processing? (A) Understanding text (B) Generating text (C) Translating languages (D) Writing code
Which of the following is a true statement about AI? (A) AI is a new technology that is still in its early stages of development. (B) AI is a powerful tool that can be used to solve many problems. (C) AI is a threat to humanity and should be avoided. (D) AI is a tool that can be used for good or evil, depending on how it is used.
Which of the following is a true statement about machine learning? (A) Machine learning is a type of AI that allows computers to learn without being explicitly programmed. (B) Machine learning is a powerful tool that can be used to solve many problems. (C) Machine learning is a threat to humanity and should be avoided. (D) Machine learning is a tool that can be used for good or evil, depending on how it is used.
Which of the following is a true statement about natural language processing? (A) Natural language processing is a field of AI that deals with the interaction between computers and human language. (B) Natural language processing is a powerful tool that can be used to solve many problems. (C) Natural language processing is a threat to humanity and should be avoided. (D) Natural language processing is a tool that can be used for good or evil, depending on how it is used.
Which of the following is a true statement about the future of AI? (A) AI is a technology that is likely to continue to develop rapidly in the future. (B) AI is a technology that has the potential to solve many of the world’s problems. (C) AI is a technology that has the potential to create new problems for humanity. (D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a true statement about the future of machine learning? (A) Machine learning is a technology that is likely to continue to develop rapidly in the future. (B) Machine learning is a technology that has the potential to solve many of the world’s problems. (C) Machine learning is a technology that has the potential to create new problems for humanity. (D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a true statement about the future of natural language processing? (A) Natural language processing is a technology that is likely to continue to develop rapidly in the future. (B) Natural language processing is a technology that has the potential to solve many of the world’s problems. (C) Natural language processing is a technology that has the potential to create new problems for humanity. (D) All of the above.
Which of the following is a true statement about the ethics of AI? (A) AI is a technology that has the potential to be used for good or evil. (B) It is important to develop AI in a responsible way that benefits humanity. (C) It is important to consider the ethical implications of AI before it is used. (D) All of the above.