Envisioning the future: a multi-disciplinary approach to human-centered intelligent environments

Abstract

Humane or humanity-centered intelligent environments (IE) prioritize human users, communities, and societal needs in the system design, service, and operations. However, designing for a genuinely humanity-centric vision poses potential barriers related to the technical frameworks and methods of IEs. This paper introduces a multi-disciplinary innovation research approach grounded in a participatory ForSTI (i.e., Foresight in Science, Technology, and Innovation) methodology. We apply a Horizon scanning exercise in combination with expert interviews and a lead user workshop to develop a future humanity-centric roadmap for IEs that aligns with a coherent understanding of human and societal needs. Multiple technical visions are explored to foresee how ethics, human control, and agency can be preserved in developing future human-centric IEs. Our findings indicate that the “feasible” future vision is propelled forward by technical enchanted determinism, with weak resistance from the public, citizens, and society. The “possible” vision augments humans and the environment through technical advancement. In contrast, the most “desirable” vision is inclusive of all humanity, also the most vulnerable, and can bring forth meaningful human involvement and influence in the technical configurations of IEs. By carefully considering the potential drivers and barriers ahead, we can re-think how to design for the most desirable future vision in developing IEs.