Discussion

In this extract, Norman discusses the different dynamics and concerns of the future of
technologies. He is of the point of view that machines are taking over slowly and gradually. The
control of humans over various activities like driving, cooking and many other similar systems is
slowly fading and the control the machines exercise in this area is augmenting. This practice may
lead to various issues in the future. Many of these issues have presented themselves in the
present context as well.
These issues are mainly due to the shortcomings of machines as well as the development behind
them. As Norman has made clear with the use of real-life examples, the developers design the
machines keeping in mind how the humans should “behave”. Instead, there is a need to develop
smart machines by keeping in mind how humans behave. It is not possible for humans to not
make mistakes. These mistakes may ruin the operations of the smart machines, and may even
lead to serious mistakes being made such as road accidents.
It may sound like a paradoxical situation, but it is essential to cater to especially due to the
impact the machines are predicted to have on humans in the future. The upcoming decade is
predicted to see various monumental changes and innovations such as mobile phones that are
implanted and other various similar innovations and products. Due to these innovations and
changes, there is a chance that more mistakes by this diarchy of humans and machines will be
made.
The most crucial aspect to keep in mind here in this case is that there is no two-way
communication between the machines and the humans. As Norman describes it, “Two
monologues do not make a dialogue.” Due to this aspect, there is an innate absence o0f
communication between users and machines. If this situation persists, the smart machines of the
future may end up creating more problems that they solve. At this stage, it is not possible to give
up the use of technology and innovation. Hence, the only way forward is to overcome these
issues once and for all.