Humantechnology

Humantechnology is a field that studies and designs the interaction between people and technology, aiming to enhance performance, wellbeing, and inclusion. It covers devices, software, systems, and environments, and emphasizes how human abilities, limitations, and values shape and are shaped by technological artefacts.

Interdisciplinary by nature, humantechnology draws on human-computer interaction, cognitive science, ergonomics, design, anthropology, and sociology. Key methods include user research, usability testing, participatory design, ethnography, and evaluative studies of how technology fits into real work and daily life.

Core areas include user experience design, accessibility and inclusive design, assistive technology, health technology, and the study of automation and AI as sociotechnical systems. Applications range from consumer products and software interfaces to industrial systems, healthcare devices, and public services.

Ethical and societal considerations address privacy, security, bias, dependency, power dynamics, and environmental impact. The field also examines governance, regulation, and the responsible deployment of technologies that affect people.

Historically anchored in ergonomics and human factors engineering, humantechnology has evolved with the rise of personal computing, the internet, and pervasive digital systems. Looking ahead, it engages with advances in AI, ubiquitous sensing, and neurotechnology, while continuing to prioritize user-centered design and social benefit.