The Design of Technology: Bridging Highly Advanced Science and Technology with Society Through the Creation of Products

Abstract

This chapter describes the concept of the Design of Technology. The role of the Design of Technology is to create a bridge between highly advanced science and technology and society through the creation of products. First, this chapter describes the differences that exist between two types of design: (1) design that employs conventional science and technology, and (2) design that employs highly advanced science and technology. Second, it describes the processes in which science and technology and its products become accepted by society. In addition to the conventional methods specialists use to provide simple explanations of physical principles, the chapter highlights three additional views: (1) science and technology’s infiltration of the culture of society, (2) the organization of the social system to cope with negative aspects of science and technology, and (3) the discovery of new mechanisms to recognize unimaginable and invisible dangers. Based on the above discussion and analysis, the chapter discusses methods that can be used to approach the Design of Technology. It suggests that designers and researchers should adopt more open and accepting attitudes and focus on meaning rather than procedure.