Technology and Design.. What does it mean?
I would simply say that Design and Technology both can exist without interacting with each other, but they both need each other. Their existence without complementing each other is completely pointless.
In my previous post, What is Technology? I have tried to define Technology and what it means for us Humans.
For Example imagine buying an expensive mobile phone which looks amazing from its outer body. But when you try to run it, it is extremely slow. Not only that it is not compatible with most wireless devices and gives problems while connecting to internet. This sort of device would score high on design but when it comes to technology it comes crashing down.
On the other hand, a device that does an amazing job of connecting to all sorts of devices old or new, with all types of protocols (blu-tooth, WiFi, NFC etc.) The device looks okay. But it is difficult to hold in one hand. Also, it involves a huge learning curve because the manufacturer had decided to completely overhaul the user experience design inside the device. This sort of device would have all the technology in the world but still be a poorly designed device and hence will find users moving to its inferior competitor.
What can Technology do for Design?
It can make things easy. It can bring people or items, on a common platform so they can interact with each other.
What can Design do for Technology?
It can help make the transition of user from old technology to new easy. Not only that, it can make technology accessible to all. It can make technology an invisible part of our lives that we can take for granted. Also, it can help make technology sustainable.
Conclusion
I would say that only when Design and Technology go hand in hand, Innovation is possible.
How do you think design and technology can help each other?
