- Discuss about extension and amputation of technology
- Viewing technology as a whole to maintain a balance
If technology is a superhero, we would assume that he could solve all the problem that he is been tasked to. In this case, let’s take Superman as an example.
He has all the abilities to fulfil any task. Super Strength, Super Speed, Super Strength, Super Breath, Super Hypnotism, Super Ventriloquism and etc. In fact, these super power are what we wish for so that we could perform our task better and faster.
And so we put our technology into good use.
Super strength — Exoskeleton
Super speed — Running prosthesis, High-technology swimwear fabric
Super breath — Diving mask
Technology is becoming the extension of ourselves. We like to extend ourselves with technology so that we can be the Superman that we long for.
I assume that is why most people envisioned a Iron Man suit or a OASIS-like VR platform where they can be anyone or anything without having friction in life.
However, as Marshall McLuhan had mentioned, for every extension there will be amputation. In other words, for every new technology that is been created, beside solving the problem that is been designed for, it also create a new set of problem that we do not anticipated.
Example : Facebook extends our ability to interact but amputates our ability to have live social interactions.
To put it in a philosophical way, technology is a double edge sword and it should be understood as a whole. Like the Yin Yang.
Doraemon and his gadgets
If you have been watching Doraemon TV series, you will find that all the wonderful gadgets that could help to save the day, ended up with a new situation. And most of the time at the end of the show, Doraemon solved the problem by smashing the gadgets apart.
I guess the artist is trying to inform us that not all technological solution could save the day after all.
Why I am interested in the amputation?
I am very intrigued with the amputation that the technology create because : -
- It help to identify possible upcoming trends.
With new technology been introduced, there will be a new set of problem that is waiting to be solved. This bring a new opportunity. - It help to understand our social responsibility.
We need to understand what is the consequence of the technology that we are creating and how we can prevent or minimise it. - It help to find the right balance in technology.
Google has put it quite well.
… life, not the technology in it, stays front and center.
If technology is a Superhero…
One of the approach that I have used is to put technology into context of a super hero. It is quite easy to list the extension of what the technology could do. However, to find the amputation of it, would take a little bit more effort. Especially when the technology is quite matured.
Example : Automobile, a 50 years industry. It bring a lot of travel conveniences (extension). However, we also know that the fuel consumption has been giving a lot of environmental problem (amputation). To tackle this, it needs to overcome quite a few challenges and TESLA might have solved it after a few years.
Below is a simple chart that may help you to look at the technology as a whole. Using JTBD structure , I have adapted it into the chart to categorise the solution.
Extension is all the good things that the technology or invention bring while amputation is all the negative stuff that it create.
Not all Superhero/technology is perfect. Goliath and Superman has a weak point(kryptonite) and so does Thanos.
To begin with, I did a example of Mr iPod.
Maybe then, we would need Superhero to help us to socialise. Like Mr MySpace or Mr iPhone? Or should we be mindful of the social responsibility when come to product design?
This is how I see technology should be designed as we are moving towards 4th Industrial revolution. Been mindful about how it affect us as a society rather on the self-interest basis .
Please let me know what is your thoughts and suggestions are welcomed
