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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?
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- 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
Available on Technology Thursday and Hello Tech Pros daily podcasts
