Nonmachine

Nonmachine is a term used in discourse about technology, culture, and society to denote things that are not machine-made or not governed by automated systems. It can refer to natural phenomena, human-centered processes, or artifacts produced without mechanical assistance, as well as to modes of thinking or practice that resist algorithmicization.

The term is not widely standardized and appears across critical, design, and theoretical writing as a counterpoint to machine-centric descriptions of modern life. In philosophy and cognitive science, nonmachine may describe tacit knowledge, embodied skill, or nonalgorithmic reasoning that operates beyond formal rules.

In design and culture contexts, nonmachine emphasizes crafts, artisanal production, and experiences that stress materiality, place, and human intention. In technology and industry discussions, it often functions as a counterpart to automation, aligning with human-centered design and the value of human judgment, empathy, and adaptability.

Critics argue that the term is vague and context-dependent, which can limit clarity. Some caution against romanticizing human labor or underestimating machine capabilities; others see it as a useful shorthand for non-automated modalities within a highly automated world.

See also: human-in-the-loop, tacit knowledge, craftsmanship, artisanal, automation, non-algorithmic.