We believe it is time to bring the discussion about the future back to where it belongs. It belongs to us - the humans - and not technology. Humans shape technology and technology in turn shapes us, but humans are the starting point.
This is crucial to keep in mind when we envision, develop and design for the future. This means that we need to start asking different questions. Instead of asking questions like “what can technology do?”, we need to ask, “what is a good life for humans?” and later we can ask how technology can support this and create meaningful change for society.
Human understanding needs to come before the creation of technological solutions. This is particularly important at a time where technological development seems to be accelerating at a rapid pace and without a lot of regulation from governments around the world. Silicon Valley, ruled by engineers and computer scientists, has long been the epicenter of technological development. But engineers and computer scientists are not trained in exploring the human condition or understanding the ethical, social and cultural implications of introducing new technological solutions.
The best starting point for creating technological solutions, organisations and a society fit for humans is asking questions about how humans perceive the world instead of blindly focusing on technological capabilities. Of course, we need engineers and computer scientists. But more than ever, businesses also need competences that can ask critical questions before they design a solution. The business world needs humanities.
