Do we control the technology in our lives or does the technology in our lives control us?

Pamela Pavliscak (pav-li-check) is a design researcher who studies our conflicted relationship with technology. She is founder of Change Sciences, a research think tank focused on humanizing technology for Chase, NBC Universal, Virgin, and many others. Pamela is writing a book coming out later this year called, Designing for Happiness, and has spoken at SXSW, Google Creative Labs, the Future of Design, and Collision.

Key Takeaways

• What makes people feel happy or miserable about technology?
• We have been through many waves of technology in the last 100 years.
  • Mainframe computers and home automation / home devices (refrigerators & washing machines).
  • Personal computers and early access to internet.
  • Smartphones and high-bandwidth.
  • Wearables and embeddables.
• People are fascinated with smartphone and get emotionally attached to them.
• We know how phones are making us miserable, but how does it impact happiness?
• • They allow us to be creative.
  • They allow us to create and foster relationships.
• When we design technology for one purpose, how much control do we have over how people actually use it?
• What do we value in technology?
• When we move from smartphone to embedded tech, we can’t as easily “detox” or unplug.
• People working in tech are generally optimists.
• Data collection and privacy is a huge issue.
• We have symbiotic relationship with technology and need to be conscious on how we use it and how it affects us.

Resources Mentioned

• Change Sciences
• Did God Create the Internet? by Scott Klososky
• HTP-49: How Much Time Do You Spend on Your Phone? Being Unplugged Sunday with Kevin Holesh
• Moment app
• Focus app

Sponsors

• Levant Technologies – Website and mobile design

Contact Guest

• @paminthelab
• Pamela Pavliscak on LinkedIn
• Pamela Pavliscak on Medium

Available on Technology Thursday and Hello Tech Pros daily podcasts