By Derek (January 25, 2009) (Reading 1)

The Fogg chapters provide a useful introduction to the subject of persuasive technology, establishing some definitions and categories that can help us analyze existing technologies and new ideas more quickly. We can evaluate technologies by first determining which category or categories they fall under, and then applying the relevant criteria for that category.  Talbott reminds us that there are trade-offs implicit in making persuasive technology too deeply embedded, or “invisible,” in that it increases the likelihood of manipulation.  I would extend this beyond digital technology – we are surrounded by information and products, from the media, social conditioning and advertising to medical and food products, that affect the way we think and live, and whose designs and intentions are results of individual and systemic biases, just like computer technology. Finally, Lyotard provides a narrative around the evolution of the universe, taking a long view to get us to where we are today and beyond; the intent, apparently, is to have us question our assumptions about what is progress and where we are going, and to what extent our technology for “designing the human” is taking us in a desirable direction, whether or not our goal should be “perfection” in the sense of eliminating problems and conflict, or should it be embracing the value of “complexity,” with all of its challenges, as a vital and natural part of progress.  In the context of this class, I suppose it serves as a reminder to consider the philosophical issues from the highest level and the individual’s and humankind’s role in history of the universe, when designing technology which presumes to improve human life, and to question idealist and utopian claims by others.