Our world consists of fast emerging technologies, developing at a pace which is not ideal for every person and can increase (generational) societal exclusion. I envision a future in which technology can perform the task of connecting people. A future in which Slow-tech and Warm Technology will play a bigger role, and assist people in their daily lives to be part of our society.
For me, Slow-tech and Warm Technology rely on designing with the sole purpose of understanding who you are designing for, and designing a product that fits the exact needs of this person within the context of their daily lives. This technology should be fitting to the capacities and environment the person lives in, and should consider solving a problem, rather than designing for a non-existing scenario.
Design has everything to do with the understanding and the inclusion of your target group. In this designer world, if your users are unable to understand your product, your design is considered bad. The trend to make products one-size-fits-all is often unconsciously aimed at a very specific type of user. A very visible trend in the way people of different generations communicate. While the newer generations are becoming more familiar with online communication, older generations prefer to avoid digitalisation. The gap between these two is growing wider every day. Through Participatory Design (PD) processes like co-designing, and taking a Mixed Perspectives approach to Empathic Design (Smeenk, Tomico & van Turnhout, 2016), we will be able to find the warm technology that closes the gap and decreases social isolation.
As a designer, I see myself taking the role of an empathic designer who aspires to contribute towards a future in which Slow-tech and Warm Technology can have a meaningful impact on the transition of technology for societal well-being. To become a designer with a broad awareness of the obstacles certain user groups might have, and design so they do not feel left behind. From elderly people to children, every age should be able to get the most out of our amazing invention of digital technology. With that, I aim to contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations concerning healthcare, education, innovation, production and equality goals, while maintaining a sustainable business.
