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Animation
Year 3
6DM022 Major Project Animation
Introduction
This essay will discuss the history and evolution of technology and its affect on
both the social and physical interactions within different time eras, mainly
focusing on the past century. A broad definition of the term technology is The
means or activity by which man seeks to change or manipulate his environment.
(Buchanan,R.2014)
This research begins with the history of technology, when and how it began to
develop, then leads onto the modern day evolution of technology.
Through out this essay, I will discuss what was considered technology from as
early as 70,000BC and how it evolved, leading through the early years of
existence. I will then go on to discuss examples of the evolved technology
throughout the timeline and the realistic impact it has had on society. This will be
followed by the discussion of how technology links to this final animated major
project and how the research influences my piece of work. Finally, bringing us to
contemplations about future expectations of how technology shall evolve and the
possibilities of what we are yet to expect.
The main body of the essay is divided into 5 different chapters: focusing on what
the origins of technology are and how it has developed, what developments have
been explored within the last century, how technology has affected human
interactions both physically and virtually, how this research into technology relate
and influence my final animated piece and, finally, the possibilities of how
technology could develop in the future.
CHAPTER 1: What are the Origins of Technology and how has it developed?
From the very beginning of time, technology was very much apparent. Animals
occasionally use natural tools such as sticks or stones, and the creatures that
became human doubtless did the same for hundreds of millennia before the first
giant step of fashioning their own tools.(Buchanan, 2014)
Though the form of what was considered as technology back then was very
basic, we can understand that such simplistic tools could still be put to use in
order for man to survive - which would aid towards humanities needs. In this
sense we can distinguish them as primitive technologies. This can give one an
insight into the fact that technology was very much alive and thriving, since the
beginning of our human existence.
As time progressed, as did the human race A degree of specialization in tool
making was achieved by the time of the Neanderthals (70,000 bce); moreadvanced tools, requiring assemblage of head and haft, were produced by CroMagnons (perhaps as early as 35,000 bce) (Buchanan, 2014) This aids the claim
that technology began evolving even as early as the time of the Neanderthals. On
the contrary, in our modern day society, technology primarily pertains to
electronics, we are called to explore simpler means such as everyday tools which
were involved in the early stages of the development process of technology
though they may seem basic to us now, back then they were considered a
fundamental asset.
As technology continued to become more advanced from 70,000BC where the
Neanderthals started developing their tool-making skills, it carried on developing
until approximately 3000BC. Though the development was in its early stages, its
application to the world and its principles were achieved by more sophisticated
means, so much so that The application of mechanical principles was achieved
by pottery-making Neolithic (New Stone Age; 6000 bce) and Metal Age peoples
(about 3000 bce).(Buchanan, 2014) This provides further backing to the
development of technology. These changes included the use of clay, brick, flint
and the curiosity towards the behavior of metallic oxides in the presence of fire;
which effectively revolutionised the way people lived and successfully marked the
transition from the new Stone Age to the metal age, which was key in forming our
definition of technology, as it is today.
The transition from the new Stone Age to the metal age was a fairly gradual
journey. Specialised skills were developed further and technology continued to
grow. However, There were no great innovations in power technology, but
important improvements were made in the construction of furnaces and kilns in
response to the requirements of the metalworkers and potters and of new
artisans such as glassworkers. (Buchanan, 2014) From the beginning of the
Middle Ages to the end of the industrial revolution there was a vast development
in technology around the world. These included the development of gunpowder,
the casting of iron, the manufacture of brass and paper, harnessing both water
and wind power via watermills and windmills and plenty more. This brings forth
the understanding, that these fundamentals laid way for the industrial revolution,
a great milestone for which shaped our future.
Technology was also a great aid for the development and knowledge of science,
with examples such as the telescope and one of the most important discoveries the invention of the steam engine. Although waterpower and wind power
remained the basic sources of power for industry, a new prime mover had thus
appeared in the shape of the steam engine, with tremendous potential for further
development as and when new applications could be found for it. (Buchanan,
2014) At this time the significance of the steam engine had not yet been utilised
(See fig. 2)
information, in the way that technology had become so advanced, that it was
possible for robots to create other mechanical elements (though currently, still
being programmed by humans). This can bring light to the dangers in which
future developments can perhaps become far too advanced, whereby robots will
soon be able to manage themselves without prior human influence.
The development and changes of technology have excelled majorly, especially
within the past century, therefore, has revolutionised the way we, as a society,
live and perceive technology. The potential for adaptation and utilization of the
computer seems so great that many commentators have likened it to the human
brain, and there is no doubt that human analogies have been important in its
development. (Buchanan, 2014) Many different people have compared
computers to the human brain, which in turn demonstrates that we as a society
are becoming more and more dependent on technology as it progresses. This
further provokes and warns us of technology possibly moving too far beyond our
capabilities. If this technology surpasses human knowledge and wisdom, will it
bring us to a day in which there is no need for human thinking, where technology
will be set to replace our human race? In the past it may have seemed that
technology was dependant on our knowledge of it, only being developed through
us, but this now opens us up to the idea that our development as a race may be
dependant on artificial technologies - creating a role reversal of what we have
started.
Computer technology was not the only advancement. Technologies in transport
had also improved Many of these changes were facilitated by improvements in
transport and communications. The automobile proceeded in its phenomenal
growth in popularity, causing radical changes in many of the patterns of life
(Buchanan, 2014) This suggests how the development for the automobile and the
exceptional growth and improvements within the transport and communications
industry, has majorly changed the way how many people now live their lives. Just
as we have become accustomed to the existence of everyday computers, the use
of automobile transport has also become integrated into our everyday lives. We
are much more dependable on technological transport for every day use; for
example, many people rely on trains, buses, and cars for daily travel to work.
Without such means, we would be forced to remain in smaller environments,
being restricted much more locally. However this advancement allows us to travel
further afield, aiding us in our exploration of unknown territories that humans
could not have possibly reached on foot.
Technology within the last decade has majorly been developed mainly via our
electronics, one of the most common examples being our mobile phones and the
capabilities of what they give us the ability to do and achieve. To show how far
this particular device has come in terms of how and what its used for. The oldest
forms of telephones are the turn dial telephones, which have been around for
approximately 150 years these were a much more simplistic form of what has
been made available to us today; in that we are now faced with smart phones that
have endless functions. The rapid development of electronic engineering created
a new world of computer technology, remote control, miniaturization, and instant
communication. (Buchanan, 2014)
With the advancement in technology, modern day telecommunication devices are
all portable, have a touch screen interface, have access to the world wide web
(www) and now have the ability to not only make phone calls, but can also send
text messages, as well as plenty more applications.
Even newer mobiles, such as the iPhone and devices running Googles Android
operating system, are capable of even more high-performance tasks: GPS
navigation, translation of speech, word processing and even navigating the stars
with Googles Sky Map application.(Hall, 2009) From such creations, the vast
possibilities and capabilities of which we can achieve now, with an electronic
(See Fig. 3)
society is now shaped by the need of technology and is very difficult to escape
from.
Although there are disadvantages to the growth of technology, the rapid
development of the airplane, the cinema, and radio made the world seem
suddenly smaller and more accessible. (Buchanan, 2014) which was a huge
advantage. Through the discoveries of aeronautics, technological entertainment
and audio broadcasting, communications have become more attainable to the
everyday human. In the past, our communications were limited to letters as such
and would take a much longer period of time to be received. However, todays
technologies have allowed us to reach distances across the world,
instantaneously. With such advancements, we are able to communicate, network,
socialise and promote ourselves, our work and our lives. If we are able to have
such advancement in technology today, there are endless possibilities in the
communication aspects of technology in the future.
Another aspect of life which technology has enhanced is its use within medical
applications and architectural development. Many technologies have contributed
to advancements in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing industry, construction,
etc., which have made huge impacts on human life. (Connolly and Gill, n.d.) In
earlier centuries, medical aspirations have been held back by the lack of
knowledge within medicine and human health. This has been revolutionised by
the use of technology, in order to explore and discover how the body responds to
medication. Without these technologies, our healthcare services today would not
be as advanced and affective as what they are. The same could be said for the
architectural evolution. There have been many developments in the way in which
buildings and homes have been constructed, such as shockproof structural
foundations able to withstand earthquakes. There have been many instances
where technology has been able to save and enhance the way that we live and
survive. It can only be suggested that these technologies can further enhance our
future, helping discover cures for diseases and exploring better ways of living
environmentally.
With all these views in mind, it is easy to see the division in attempting to
understand the advantages and disadvantages of technology. Society became
more conscious and an increasing awareness of the technological dilemma
confronting the world makes it possible to offer a realistic assessment of the role
of technology in shaping society today. (Buchanan, 2014) We are now in an era
of mixed feelings and thoughts towards the growth of technology, where the
overall optimism about the progress and evolution has slowly started to eradicate
and there is now more awareness about the issues and implications technology
has started to have on shaping society. Examples such as the withdrawal of basic
communication skills has now got to a stage where society is more comfortable
communicating using electronic devices, than to actually converse with someone
face to face. Once again, this statement has mixed feelings as it shows that the
advancement of technology, now allows society to instantly send messages,
information and communicate with each other, where as half a century ago this
was not possible. In communications also, the dominant lines of development
continue to be those that were established before or during World War II. In
particular, the rapid growth of television services, with their immense influence as
media of mass communication (Buchanan, 2014) The similarities on the social
impact of technology between the past day and modern day are that mass
communication is still available and is continuing to develop every day.
The evolution of information and news being received and the means of mass
media communication are still continuing to grow and develop and are becoming
more accessible as time continues. This shows that the influence of technology on
society is still continuing in the same way, however, is happening on a larger
scale. The ways in which life has changed on the high street have influenced the
high street itself, from developments in architecture to the very way we use the
spaces around us. Gone are the days when water troughs for horses were
necessary; in their place we see rows of parking meters and busy highways where
once there were communities now long-lost. Such changes are often considered
to be the hallmarks of our modern age of progress (Kendall, 2014) We can
generalize that in the future, as tech continues to change, it will most likely alter
our environment too. Take blockbusters (VHS to DVD, then shut down) as an
example.
Not only has technology affected the exterior architecture of our towns and cities,
but it has also influenced the interiors. The high street has changed considerably
since the 1960s. An historical look at a range of European cities in the 1960s
reveals a retail landscape dominated by clothing, footwear jewellery, furniture
and electrical goods. Food, fresh meat and vegetables were also prevalent...As
more bulky goods such as DIY and electrical goods moved out of town (along with
food), the nature of many high streets changed. Is now difficult to buy any of
these goods on the high street. Today clothing and footwear is joined on the high
street by a range of more niche outlets such as music shops, travel agencies, cafe
bars and sport shops (Birkin, Clarke and Clarke, 2016) As technology further
continues to shape our social life, it also begins to change the physical aspects. As
we become more dependent on technology for everyday needs (driving,
communicating, working), our needs within retail also change. In the past, there
would have never been store purely for phones only. In todays society many
shops are revolved around technology, e.g. computer stores, phone stores, Apple
stores, etc. Therefore, as our needs continue to move further towards technology,
will our environment follow?
Different age groups have been affected and have responded differently to the
continuous evolution of technology. As many elderly consumers were not
acquainted with the use of technologies during their careerstherapidchange
accordingtoImmonen,M.,&Sintonen,S.,2015hasledtotheelderlybecomingunawareand
uninformedofcurrentupdatesofsociety.To contradict Immonen,M.,&Sintonen,S.,2015,
Connolly and Gill discuss how Technology helps elderly people and those who are
physically challenged keep in touch with friends and family and to know about
social happenings when it would otherwise be difficult for them to interact with
external society which indicates a complete different opinion and outlook to the
argument. It is apparent that there are mixed views on the impact of evolution of
technology on primarily elderly people, therefore, more research and findings are
required to make a clear conclusion on the actual impact it has had on them.
walk down the street, he finds himself fast forwarding into the 21 st century
(present day). However, he realizes that everything has changed and people are
no longer as he remembered, but instead are drawn into some form of small
hand-held electronic machine (mobile phone), as well as giant walking and talking
devices (electronic devices that act as humans).
It seems as if the world he had known had undergone an electronic takeover and
the human race has lost all hope of social interactions and community. Shocked
about his surroundings he attempts to return to his own time era, however, he
soon realizes that the timeline he is trying to travel on is stuck on an infinite loop
and he will forever be trapped within the timeline.
My influence for Tech Attack came from when i was travelling home one day on a
two-hour journey via train. As i sat there awaiting my stop to be called, i noticed
that every single person around me was on some form of electronic technology,
whether it was there mobile phone, iPad, kindle or laptop. I then started thinking
to myself about modern society and how technology has such a massive influence
on our lives and to what extent it would go. Will people become even more
dependent on technology? Will humanity even start to be replaced by technology?
I then thought to myself that this would be a really nice visual concept and
perhaps i could use and develop this idea for my final major animation piece.
It is important for me to recognize the modern trends within society and the
implications they may have in every day life as it gives my work deeper meaning
and has important underlying context.
The creation of my animation was highly informed by the research I undertook
previously, into the history, evolution and development of technology. It gave me
more of an insight into what is classed as technology and all the different types
and the social impact it has on humanity.
The main key points explored in my animation are the dangers and implications of
technology and the affect it can have on society, which I researched into in
chapter 3. Much of the 19th-century optimism about the progress of technology
has dispersed, and an increasing awareness of the technological dilemma
confronting the world makes it possible to offer a realistic assessment of the role
of technology in shaping society today. (Buchanan, 2014) This had a lot of
relevance towards my own animation workflow, as it states that the optimism
about the development and progression of technology slowly started to dissolve
and society was becoming more aware of the dilemmas and issues technology
was bringing to the world. In my animation, I tried to highlight this issue by taking
it further and showing the progression in electronics within the past half century
to present day and how it could continue to socially impact the future generations
if we are to become too dependent on electronics.
CONCLUSION
To overview the contents of this essay so far, I researched the origins and history
of technology and how and when in time they began to evolve. I discovered that
technology has a very broad definition and back in the years of the BC era, tools
such as sticks, stones and fire were all classed as technology. As the years went
on, they began to develop and evolve with the use of pottery skills and metal and
wood manipulation. This allowed them to create stronger tools and weapons.
The evolution then started to grow more effectively and quickly with steam power
and electricity being discovered within the industrial revolution era. This allowed
different power sources to be available and ready for use. Following this, the
invention of the computer, airplanes, automobiles, rockets, mobile phones, radios
and plenty more had begun to have a big social impact for society. I then
discussed how the social impact of technology and its interaction affected
societies within the different eras.
I went on to discuss my own animation project and intentions and what influenced
me in creating this animation and how my research into the history and evolution
of technology had enhanced and informed the conception of my project. Finally, I
researched about the expectations and futurists views on what the next step
would be and how far the evolution of technology would actually go.
To reiterate a key point, the term technology is very ambiguous and everyone has
his or her own way of understanding and interpreting the meaning of the word. I
have personally understood and tried to research all the key elements throughout
history of the different terms technology has and how it has evolved into the
modern day understanding of the term technology. This is then reflected in my
animation in even the subtlest of ways, such as the change in the shops, the
fashion and primarily the introduction of popular electronic devices.
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