Designing Calm Technology with Amber Case
Technology shouldn’t require all of our attention, just some of it, and only when necessary.
The difference between an annoying technology and one that is helpful is how it engages our attention.
Calm technology describes a state of technological maturity where a user’s primary task is not computing, but being human. The aim of Calm Technology is to provide principles that follow the human lifestyle and environment in mind, allowing technology to amplify humanness instead of taking it away.
The idea behind Calm Technology is to have smarter people, not things.
This session will cover how to use principles of Calm Technology to design harmonious technologies that work alongside our attention, instead of against it. We’ll look at notification styles, compressing information into other senses, and designing for the least amount of cognitive overhead.
About Amber Case
Amber Case is a renowned scholar specializing in the interactions between humans and technology, particularly how technology influences culture. She has authored four influential books, including "Calm Technology" and "A Kids Book About Technology." Her academic credentials include fellowships at MIT's Center for Civic Media and Harvard's Berkman Klein Center. She has been recognized by Inc. Magazine's 30 under 30 and named one of Fast Company’s Most Influential Women in Technology.
Case co-founded Geoloqi, a location-based software company that was acquired by Esri, and later established The Calm Tech Institute, a non-profit aimed at fostering harmonious human-tech interactions. Currently, she serves as the Research Director at the Metagovernance Project, focusing on design, governance, and AI.
About Futurespaces
Futurespaces delves into contemporary experience design, with a specific focus on how innovations in design and technology can meaningfully enhance human connection.
Founded and led by Josh Goldblum (Bluecadet) Futurespaces offers live webinars and in-person tours that provide valuable insights into the creative process of creating contemporary experiences.