It’s all about the humans.
How do we create tools that work for all types of human beings, in all locations, with all advantages and disadvantages?
Picture a treadmill in front of you, taking you straight to mediocrity. What would it take for you to step on that treadmill? Some might need the lure of cash, others a solid contract, while some might feel pushed by friends or family. People are complicated, with many influences that shape their actions and how they interact with technology and tools.
Now, let’s think about all the technology we use every day to work, manage our businesses, and learn for ourselves and our kids. When should our technology be more human-like, and when should it be swapped out? Making technology more human will usually lead to good outcomes. This idea is at the heart of socio-technical systems theory (STS). It understands the complete interaction and role that exists between people, their systems, and technology. Similar to the treadmill example above, how a person interacts with the treadmill and why is crucial in shaping its design, function, and usage.
Two primary factors that drive an STS theory toward a humane design are empathy and sociological factors and understandings.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s more than just sympathizing with others. Empathy is an essential part of any human-centered activity, from designing software to running corporations. It is at the root of humanizing technology. The ability to see the world through another’s eyes is vital for creating designs that work for everyone, not just a few. How an introvert may see helpful functionality and productivity, may be very different than how an extrovert sees it. How individualistic-minded cultures view their digital engagement time could vary from a more communal-minded culture. Empathy does not stop at mere utilitarian functions of technology. It should also include the psychological and physiological effects of using technology. Prioritizing empathy allows developers and designers to take these things into account.
Sociological factors and understandings are equally important in bringing about humane design. Humanizing technology requires understanding the social, cultural, economic, and political implications of creating products that work for everyone. Societies and work environments consist of many divisions based on demographics like age, race, class, and gender. Human-centered technology requires an understanding of these divisions and how they affect how people interact. It’s also about breaking down barriers between groups in society who otherwise would not necessarily interact. STS theory requires us to ask questions about how different groups of people use the same product or interface, why they interact with it in certain ways, and to correct these issues when necessary.
In summary, socio-technical systems theory is not just about creating products that are more accommodating for disabled or segregated groups in society. Humanizing technology requires us to recognize the complex web of factors that influence people, their devices, and how they interface with each other. It is an ongoing process that never truly ends- just as humans grow, change, and evolve, so should our technology and engagement with it.