“Understanding the rhetoric of design, its persuasive force and central role in
Burdick et, Digital Humanities (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2012), 13
the shaping of arguments, is a critical tool for digital work in all disciplines. But
rhetoric is a distinctly humanist skill, one that ventures out into new directions in a
digital environment that the humanist of the 21st century is called upon to master.”
The evolving relationship between the humanities and technology has been a major theme throughout the 21st century, with the emergence of new interactive technologies such as phones, social media, and gaming platforms. These innovations can make life easier and have tremendous upside, but they can also have many negative implications. With the emergence of AI, the potential pros and cons of technology will only become more extreme, so it will be necessary for designers to think in a human-centered and ethical way. This quote recognizes that design should be humanist by nature and that digital work is relevant in all disciplines. As someone interested in design and the role of the future “maker,” this quote resonated with me.
Over the summer, I decided to vibe code a web app as a result of being bored. Though I had almost no coding experience prior, I was able to actualize my idea and make it into a functional and fun interface. While I didn’t learn to code, I learned the basic workings of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In this example, I benefited from technology because it helped me create something I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. One thing I hope to learn in college is how to benefit from technology while avoiding its pitfalls. I’m taking Intro to CS right now because I think being technologically literate in the modern world is important because it allows you to work on interdisciplinary projects and further explore your interests.
Throughout the term, I’m excited to learn about all kinds of different tools that can be used to connect the humanities with the digital world. I am especially looking forward to learning about 3D modeling and web design because they teach foundational skills that can lead to many fascinating projects in fields like animation, architecture, UX design, etc. I am interested in learning about how digital tools can be applied to history, since that was my favorite subject in high school.
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The importance of human-centered design really resonates with me. Over the summer I noticed how people in the IT industry are using AI tools and innovative technologies to boost productivity. What caught my attention, though, is that these professionals aren’t just relying on tools. They already have deep expertise in coding and product design, which let them use technology responsibly and effectively. As a student still learning, I’ve realized it’s important to maintain ownership of how I use these tools, so I truly understand what I’m doing rather than letting the tool do the thinking.