1. How did the technical systems evolve in the past ~ 5000 years?

We have always been using technical systems. One amongst many initial systems can be the method to light and control fire which we learned almost a million years ago. From there, till the 20th century, the majority of the systems were mechanical in nature. We have come a lot far in terms of complexity, and utility if we see the transition from fire as a system, to our 20th century-based enigma machines.

If you consider the transition, the transition is ruled by 4 major themes:

1) Shift of technical systems from single-utility to multi-utility systems,

• Technology developed from a point where initially a system was used for just one task, and now the same systems are capable of doing multiple tasks in one single go. For it to do multiple tasks, and that too with required customization, a higher level of interaction with the system was needed.

2) Democratization of reach so that everyone can access them,

• With the reach of these systems increasing to every individual, the complexity of interactions had to be reduced so that these systems could be utilized by everyone. This led to tools like levers, pulleys, and gears being used. They have taken the shape of UI, keyboard, and mouse in the modern era.

3) Custom control over the systems, and

• Throughout history, from ancient times to the present day, most technological systems have been designed in isolation, without considering their interdependence with other systems. As a result, users have typically had to select and activate the appropriate system for their needs, without any assistance from the system itself. This places the burden of responsibility on the user to make the right decision and manage the complexity of multiple systems.

4) Increase in the number of systems

• Now the scenario where we are heading is full of technical systems. It is leading us to a state that includes us being more absorbed in these tools. In order to select the right system, and right input, we users need to bear the cognitive load which takes us away from our central task.