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Technology and Society with Chris Miller and Allen Batteau
My guests today are Cultural engineer-anthropologist Allen Batteau, Ph.D. and design anthropologist Christine Z. Miller, Ph.D., co-authors of the book: Tools, Totems, and Totalities: The Modern Construction of Hegemonic Technology
Christine Miller is a professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and Allen, a retired professor from Wayne State University.
They share details of their interdisciplinary backgrounds, their collaborative book project, and the implications of technology on society. They discuss the concept of sociotechnical systems, the brittleness of technology, and the ethical responsibilities of designers and software developers. They also touch upon the potential impact of AI, user-centered vs. social-centered design, and the role of speculative design in fostering innovation and hope for the future of humanity.
Some specific topics that they touched upon:
- Introduction and Guest Backgrounds
- Christine's Academic Journey
- Allen's Career Path
- The Concept of Sociotechnical Systems
- Hegemonic Technology in Software Development
- AI: Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Ignorance?
- User-Centered vs. Social-Centered Design
- The Importance of Broader Perspectives in Education
- The Role of Universities in Broader Education
- The Impact of Habit-Forming Products
- Productivity and Technology
- The Evolution and Impact of the Internet
- Ethical Responsibilities in Technology
- The Urgency and Maintenance in Design
- Brittleness of Technological Systems
- Speculative Design and Future Perspectives
- Concluding Thoughts on Technology and Hope
Allen W. Batteau, a cultural anthropologist and professor at Wayne State University, is a leading authority on the intersection of technology and society. His work, funded by agencies such as NASA and the National Science Foundation, includes numerous publications on aviation, flight safety, and technology in democratic societies.
https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/ad4408
Christine Miller is a design educator and researcher at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). With expertise in socio-technical systems, her research focuses on how social and cultural dynamics influence technology design and adoption. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges anthropology, design, and business