Books we like this week

We have been reading some dark and cynical books about tech, design, and changing the world. Trust us... it was worth it.

Author

Daniel Burka
October 30, 2024

It might seem strange to include two books that are fairly pessimistic about the potential for designers and technologists to make the world better. Both books give a clear-eyed view of what’s often done wrong in “tech for good.” It might be a bit counter-intuitive but I was partly inspired by both to start Hard Problems with Elyce Cole this year.

What Design Can’t Do

Silvio Lorusso’s excellent book: “Design is broken. Young and not-so-young designers are becoming increasingly aware of this. Many feel impotent: they were told they had the tools to make the world a better place, but instead the world takes its toll on them.“

www.setmargins.press/books/what-design-cant-do

Geek Heresy: Rescuing Social Change from the Cult of Technology

After a decade designing technologies meant to address education, health, and global poverty, award-winning computer scientist Kentaro Toyama came to a difficult conclusion: Even in an age of amazing technology, social progress depends on human changes that gadgets can't deliver.

www.amazon.com/Geek-Heresy-Rescuing-Social-Technology/dp/161039528X

Jobs

We try to include at least a few interesting roles each week.

Senior Advisor - Digital Transformation & AI

The Tony Blair Institute is developing a global team of advisors on data & AI to join their team of central experts on government innovation. (United Kingdom)

tbinstitute.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/TBI/details/Senior-Advisor---Data---AI_JR001081?mc_cid=8168409fd2

CARE: Director of Digital Inclusion

The Director is responsible for shaping and stewarding CARE’s digital inclusion strategy to impact 10 million people by 2030. (Washington DC, USA)

phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CAREUSA&cws=52&rid=7541&mc_cid=8168409fd2