Blog

In our class on Design & Society, we discuss the so-called dilemma of progress. With any design whose introduction poses potential risk, there is a decision to make on how to regulate it. In simplest terms, there are two possibilities:

Permissive: introduce the new design until such time as it proves to be overly harmful, or
Precautionary: restrict the new design until such time as it proves to be acceptably safe.

Under conditions of uncertainty, it can be difficult to know which strategy is best.

I was interested to read about a recent study of genetic connections between ancient and modern inhabitants of the Levant.

A number of interesting posts concerning privacy showed up today, which made good reading together. In particular, these articles concern privacy, in this case, the control that people have about data concerning themselves.

The first major event at the Centre for Society, Technology and Values (CSTV) was a full-day workshop on “Technology and Autonomy,” held in March 1986. (See Newsletter, May 1986.) Some afternoon sessions had as many as 60 in attendance. This event can be usefully analyzed from a variety of perspectives.

An enduring theme in design is the relation between form and function. For example, is there an ideal form that corresponds to a given function? How do form and function relate and develop over time?

In September 1985, a major student conference was held at the University of Waterloo. Organized by the now defunct Canadian Studies program, the conference was supported by a number of faculty members associated with the Centre for Society, Technology and Values (CSTV), including director Larry Haworth.

John Metcalfe of CityLab points out an interesting video shot on a street in New York City recently. The video is a time-lapse recording of activity at a City Bike dock featuring rentable bicycles and curbside parking across the street. Voilà!

The point, says videogrpaher Luke Ohlson, is that the bike dock is much busier than the car parking.

Dr. Scott Campbell, Director of the Centre for Society, Technology and Values (CSTV) and instructor of STV 100, still finds it useful to introduce students to the idea expressed by scientist and novelist C.P. Snow that Western intellectual life is split into two cultures—the sciences and the humanities. How Snow developed this basic idea is not the point here—or in STV 100.

The history of the Centre for Society, Technology and Values (CSTV) can tell us a lot about the history of the University of Waterloo. Founded in 1984, the Centre has been around for more than half of Waterloo’s 60 years. It began during a period of expansion and optimism on campus. Although the scope of its activities later contracted during a time of fiscal restraint, the Centre has survived and even thrived, in a modest way. As the university’s mission and goals have evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly changing society, CSTV has remained relevant and significant.

Rich Haridy points to a new item on Kickstarter called "Nakefit". Rather than wear flop-flips on the beach or at the pool, wouldn't you prefer foot-shaped stickers for the bottom of your feet? The makers of Nakefit think so.

As Rich points out, this idea seems to be in tension between "why?" and "of course!".

Filter by:

Progress in treatment with antibiotics

Genes and polities

Privacy and control of personal information

From the archives: Anatomy of a collaboration: A 1986 workshop on technology and autonomy

What is a hockey arena?

From the archives: Let the voices of students be heard

Is parking unjust?

From the archives: Bridging the divide between the “two cultures”

From the archives: The founding of the Centre—a timely reminder

Stickers for the bottom of your feet?