Welcome to New and Emerging Technologies!
In this chapter, we are looking at how new technology isn't just about cool gadgets and fast computers. It’s actually about people. Every time a new piece of technology is invented, it changes how we work, how we live with our families, how our communities grow, and how we treat the planet. Understanding these impacts is a huge part of your GCSE because, as a designer, you need to think about the "big picture," not just the product.
1. Impact on People and the Workforce
When new technology enters a factory or an office, the lives of the people working there change instantly. This affects everyone from the person on the shop floor to the customer buying the product.
The Workforce and Skills
Technology often replaces simple, repetitive tasks. This means the workforce needs to become a highly-skilled workforce. Instead of just pushing a button, workers now need to know how to program the robots or fix the computers.
To help people get these skills, many companies offer apprenticeships. These allow people to "earn while they learn," gaining technical skills on the job. However, there is a catch: wage levels can change. Highly skilled workers often earn more, but those whose jobs are replaced by machines may find it harder to find well-paid work.
Impact on Consumers
For consumers (the people who buy things), tech usually means more choice and lower prices. However, designers have to think about specific groups:
- People with disabilities: New technology can be life-changing. For example, voice-activated "smart home" tech helps people with limited mobility control their lights or heating.
- Children: Designers must ensure tech is safe for children, considering things like online safety and the physical durability of toys.
2. Impact on Society
Society refers to how we live together and organize our daily lives. Technology has completely changed the traditional "9 to 5" workday.
Remote Working and Communication
Because of high-speed internet and video conferencing (like Zoom or Teams), many people can now do remote working. This means they can work from home instead of commuting to a big city.
The Benefits:
- No expensive train fares or petrol costs.
- Better "work-life balance" for parents.
- Companies can hire people from all over the world.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a world where everyday objects are connected to the internet. Think of a fridge that tells you when you're out of milk, or a thermostat you can turn up using your phone while you’re on the bus. This makes society more efficient but also more dependent on technology.
Working Hours
Because machines don't get tired, many factories now use shift patterns that run \(24/7\). This means the "working day" never really ends for the machines, though it can make working hours more unusual for the human staff.
Did you know? The IoT is estimated to include billions of devices worldwide, meaning there are more "connected things" than there are people on Earth!3. Impact on Culture
Culture is about the shared beliefs, languages, and movements of groups of people. Technology can change the "map" of where people live.
Population Movement
New tech industries often cluster together in "Science Parks." This leads to population movement, where people move to specific areas to find work. Within the EU and other regions, technology has made it easier for people to move across borders for high-tech jobs.
However, this can sometimes lead to social segregation or clustering, where certain ethnic or social groups live in the same areas, sometimes separate from others, depending on where the jobs and technology are available.
4. Impact on the Environment
This is a massive topic for your exam! Every new technology has an "environmental footprint." Designers must try to minimize the negative impact.
Pollution and Waste
Manufacturing new tech often creates pollution (smoke from factories or chemicals in water). When we throw away old gadgets, we create "e-waste."
Materials separation is a major challenge. Many modern products are made of different materials glued together, making them very hard to take apart and recycle. If we can't separate the plastic from the metal, the whole thing often ends up in a landfill (waste disposal).
Transportation and Packaging
New technology allows us to order anything from around the world. But transporting goods via planes, ships, and vans uses massive amounts of fossil fuels.
Also, think about packaging. To keep a new smartphone safe during shipping, it is often wrapped in layers of plastic and cardboard. Designers are now being pushed to use "Green Designs" that use less packaging and renewable materials.
Common Exam Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing Society and Culture: Remember, Society is about how we live (working from home, IoT, shift patterns). Culture is about who we are and where we move (population movement, ethnic clustering).
Forgetting the "Human" side: When asked about the impact of a new robot in a factory, don't just say "it's faster." Talk about the workforce—do they need new skills? Will they need apprenticeships? Will their wage levels go up or down?
Final Summary Checklist
- Can you explain how video conferencing helps remote working?
- Do you know what IoT stands for? (Internet of Things)
- Can you name two groups of people (e.g., people with disabilities, children) that designers must consider?
- Do you understand why materials separation is important for the environment?