computer-physical-agency
Computers are evolving from passive devices to ones that can directly perform physical actions, increasing both their power and potential risks.
1 chapter across 1 book
The Electronic Cottage (1981)Joseph Deken
The chapter explores the evolution of computers from rigid calculators to user-friendly, personalized devices integrated into daily life, emphasizing advances in hardware miniaturization, software usability, and networked communication. It highlights the importance of fail-safe mechanisms and human oversight to mitigate risks associated with increasing computer autonomy, while advocating for human-centered design that adapts technology to user preferences. The text also underscores the growing potential for cooperative interaction between users and programmers, fostering an ethic of active production and demystifying programming through accessible analogies.