What is Technology?

Technology is any human-made object designed to solve problems or advance human potential.

There are three fields:

1. Physical -- This includes areas like transportation, manufacturing, constructing, and other inorganic technologies.
2. Information/Communication -- Send or receiving information, by human or machine. The internet and telephone are examples.
3. Bio-related -- Biology related technologies like prosthetics, human safety devieces, cloning, and environmental protection.

To utilize technology, systems may be created. A system is a network which converts an input to an output through a specific process, with feedback that governs it.
        There are two types of systems within the Universal Systems model. The open-loop system has no means to automatically use feedback to alter the input/process, and requires external intervention to control the system. The closed-loops system automatically monitors feedback and controls the input and process.

 

 There are seven resources of technology:

1. Tools/Machines/Processes -- Any technologies that are utilized in a system
2. Materials -- Resources from the earth
3. People -- The skills and knowledge of individuals
4. Capital -- The money required to enable a system
5. Energy -- The heat, electricity, or other energy necessary
6. Time -- Any time the system requires
7. Information - Knowledge people have garnered

Raw materials, people, time, tools, and energy are all inputs of this system

To use this knowledge, the problem solving process is essential.

1. Identify the Problem -- Define what the need is.
2. Set goals - These should be realistic, considering the resources.
3. Research -- Acquire the necessary information to solve the problem.
4. Create Ideas -- Freely brainstorm ideas.
5. Select the Best Ideas -- Rank your ideas by their strengths, and select the best design overall based on your need.
6. Implement -- Make the design into reality.
7. Test -- Use the idea in real life situations.
8. Feedback -- Evaluate the test results, and adjust the design to improve its effectiveness.

Nuclear Reactors, composed of very complex open and closed-loop systems, once were considered magical. They still are to many even today.