Do you wish you could do more with your keyboard or mouse? Designers, gamers and those who rely on their computer for complex tasks have probably thought about the possibility of being able to use specific gestures to click or move things around on the screen.

Now you can do this using a gadget called Touch+. Created by Ractiv, the small device clips on top or on the side of the computer monitor. The tool features plug-and-play capabilities using USB. Once connected, individuals can start using their hands, the same ones being used for typing, to move the pointer around.

The device also doubles as a webcam. This can be useful for tracking movements when creating life-like visuals. With Touch+, you don’t have to touch the screen. This means no oily smudges or knocking over your computer. The possibilities of this tool is endless for both recreation and professional use.
Touch+ | Ractiv

Technology has taken a vantage leap in providing solutions for man. Before now, technology used to appear complex and would require a great deal of expertise to handle solutions available. Today, we have technology applicable in the simplest human activities as smart products with intelligent algorithms powering them as they make error-free judgments and provide intelligent and analytic solutions.

Does technology have all the answers?

This article from Credit Suisse, tells us that technology does not have all the answers because it has been found to exhibit “similar biases,” as humans. No one can discredit the impact of technology, but it is not totally free of human input and this is the reason we experience these biases in many areas we have technology holding foot.

Creating technological solutions transparently

This article suggests that the process of creating technological solutions be made transparent and subject to contribution from many people who would end up as users of the product – male, female, young, old, learned, unlearned and all other preferences as we have them. It also underscores the importance of having women on product development teams. This approach is not sure to eliminate all forms of bias, but it is a good way to start in order to appraise the full benefits of technology.

Technology as the connecting tool

Technology so far has been a major connecting tool amongst us humans. It is used and appreciated by all regardless of race, language and sex. In order to keep it less subjective to these arguments about human biases. I believe we should gather opinions on products and solutions before making them available to the public. This could be done by gathering input from intended target users and receiving feedback across the stages of production.

“Recognizing the problem is a start…success will depend on inclusive technologies that meet this vast untapped market.” This cannot be more apt especially at a time when we look up to technology for solutions. We should not muzzle our progress with technology by battling algorithm bias. The first way to avoid this battle is by reading this article here.