This chapter discusses automation and how we have or could become servants of our machines in the future. For example, he talks about cars and how they have become “computers on wheels.” For now, some of the automation is total, while other parts are sort of controllable for the user. However, he argues that cars will soon start communicating with other cars, exchanging all sorts of interesting information, and becoming more and more automated. According to Dr. Norman, technology will never solve all the problems of humankind, but neither will it enslave us. However, automation can lead to people relaying too much on machines that can easily make mistakes. He gives the example of airplane pilots falling asleep because airplanes are too automated. Although generally it is not extremely dangerous for airplane pilots to fall asleep, it is for car drivers. If indeed cars were completely automated, he argues that it would be safer, but the real problem is the partial automation process, were different cars would have distinct capabilities and automation mechanism and it could lead to confusion and accidents. Discussion
I enjoyed the chapter, especially because although he paints this remote image of the future he is also very honest about our capabilities as of today. For example, he clearly states that it takes a long time for ideas to become concrete tools. Also, he indicates that changes like the ones he is talking about will not just pop out of nowhere. There will be plenty of warning. Moreover, just by taking a look at the conferences worldview you could accurately predict what is the next big idea. I think most of his general ideas of a futuristic community are really distant. However, as we have been experiencing in the past, small increments will happen rapidly and be widely accepted by society.
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