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The human factor in the design of technological systems is taken up by J. Sparkes. Should technology give people what they want or should the technologist make a judgement of what people ought to h...ave? Should the technologist take responsibility for the effect his systems have on the community? These topics are discussed. Interesting technological problems ought to be balanced against human problems and feelings. As an example the invention of a typing machine to replace a typist is taken up. Should this sort of machine be created by technologists ? Problem of human/machine communications is taken up. To make the machine fit the person rather than vice versa, more must be known about human needs. Technologists ought to turn their minds to discovering in what way machines are superior to humans and vice versa. As an example, Sparkes cites the human ability to predict, which cannot be matched by machines. Several examples of human ability to predict are given. In order to give people what they really want the technologist must plan for and design the future. He must be clear on all its implications. Technologists cannot rely on technological accidents to provide advances. An experiment in human ability to predict is performed with John Sparkes as the subject. He follows a line on moving track with a felt tipped pen when: 1. He can't see much of the track. 2. He can see the track for some distance ahead.
The human factor in the design of technological systems is taken up by J. Sparkes. Should technology give people what they want or should the technologist make a judgement of what people ought to h...ave? Should the technologist take responsibility for the effect his systems have on the community? These topics are discussed. Interesting technological problems ought to be balanced against human problems and feelings. As an example the invention of a typing machine to replace a typist is taken up. Should this sort of machine be created by technologists ? Problem of human/machine communications is taken up. To make the machine fit the person rather than vice versa, more must be known about human needs. Technologists ought to turn their minds to discovering in what way machines are superior to humans and vice versa. As an example, Sparkes cites the human ability to predict, which cannot be matched by machines. Several examples of human ability to predict are given. In order to give people what they really want the technologist must plan for and design the future. He must be clear on all its implications. Technologists cannot rely on technological accidents to provide advances. An experiment in human ability to predict is performed with John Sparkes as the subject. He follows a line on moving track with a felt tipped pen when: 1. He can't see much of the track. 2. He can see the track for some distance ahead.
| Module code and title: | T100, The man-made world: a foundation course |
|---|---|
| Item code: | T100; 02 |
| First transmission date: | 23-01-1972 |
| Published: | 1972 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Edward Goldwyn |
| Contributors: | Ronald John Beishon; John Sparkes |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Human/machine communications; Prediction; Public whims; Technologist; Track test |
| Master spool number: | 6LT/70305 |
| Production number: | 00521_2532 |
| Videofinder number: | 2144 |
| Available to public: | yes |
