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Why?

Hyper-technology continues to accelerate our pace of living. Mobile phones in particular have become an extension of modern man, an all-in-one cybernetic device embodying our lives and needs. However this technology fed by consumerism and culture, is increasingly disconnecting and de-humanising society. Nuanced values and individualism are diminishing, leading to a dystopian existence. Change is necessary at a time of ecological and social crisis. But is it realistic to defuture a society that has become so reliant and attached to their portable device; a technology that on the one hand connects us instantaneously to the virtual world but on the other isolates us from the real one?

I'm a self-employed Web/User Interface designer. My work includes designing websites, user interfaces for apps and portals, as well as developing them to realisation. I also consult customers with SEO & Best Practice to boost sales and conversions.

Having been in the industry for 18 years, I've seen huge advances in digital technology, particularly in mobile and tablet form. Going back as far as the Industrial Revolution, we’ve been tunnel visioned with technology, advancing further like a high-speed train with little regard to consequences. We’ve known for decades the cost this has come to our planet, but capitalism has always prevailed.

It seems this advancement has come at a cost to humanity too. WiFi enables us instant access to everything, everywhere. We want things fast and we want it now. We need only look up from our smartphone to see another absorbed in theirs.

Whilst people are more connected digitally, it seems we have disconnected physically. I eye yet another family eating out, not a word spoken as each is absorbed in Candy Crush or Facebook. At the work, where we've become slaves to the computer, we choose Skype as means of communication in a deafening silent room. For me professionally, the internet has made it possible for me to meet new customers; so effectively that I've never physically met them all.

Furthermore, as people are disconnecting less in the physical world, poverty is increasing whilst austerity continues and inequality surges. This way of living cannot continue and I feel compelled as a designer to explore solutions amidst ecological and social crisis.

In my Masters research, I will establish the the effects of hyper-technology upon human societies, in particular the social implications of mobile devices on a consumer level. The research will examine the origins of mobile devices and how this has gradually encompassed the way we live. This includes analysing cultural trends as well as positive and negative implications. The correlation between mental well-being and hyper-technology will also be explored.

In addition, I will examine solutions of defuturing and it’s viability and whether we as designers re-use this technology to re-humanise society instead.

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