The landscape of technology and society, the imperative to create equitable and inclusive systems is not just an aspiration but a critical need. This thought-provoking talk, led by a seasoned technology expert, delves into the systemic issues faced by marginalized communities within the realm of technology. It emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change in the way technology is designed, developed, and implemented.
The session begins by examining the challenges that emerge when scaling technological systems and the standard procedures in place for understanding, documenting, and fixing these issues. However, it highlights a significant oversight: these systems often fail to consider the needs and perspectives of marginalized communities. The talk underscores how the year 2020 has magnified what these communities have been articulating for years — that they have been systematically excluded from the design and implementation of technological systems.
The speaker then guides the audience through several key areas:
- Systemic Analysis: Understanding the deep-rooted issues in our technological systems and how they disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
- Inclusive Design Principles: Exploring strategies for creating technology that is inclusive by design, ensuring that it serves a diverse range of needs and backgrounds.
- Role of Technology in Social Change: Discussing how technology can be a powerful tool for social change, highlighting examples where it has successfully challenged and transformed inequitable systems.
- Collaborative Solutions: Encouraging a collaborative approach that involves diverse voices in the process of designing and implementing technological solutions.
- Action and Accountability: Emphasizing the need for action and accountability in making systemic changes, moving beyond acknowledgment to tangible reforms.
Throughout this talk, the speaker stresses the importance of not just recognizing these systemic issues but actively working towards changing them. It's designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the role technology plays in society and how it can be leveraged to create more equitable systems.
This talk is more than an analysis of the current state; it's a roadmap for embedding inclusivity and equity into the very fabric of our technological systems, ensuring they work for everyone, regardless of their background.