Technology Overload: Is There a Technological Panacea?

While developments in technology have made computing and electronics ubiquitous and wearable, they have also given rise to a plethora of devices each delivering a special functionality. Numerous appliances and gadgets may overwhelm us, leading to Technology Overload, the cognitive and physical burden placed on human beings due to usage of multiple devices for everyday activities. While research into the design of devices has concentrated on making each separate feature/ functionality of a device more efficient and effective, (such as enhancing the resolution of cameras or improving the portability of a mobile phone) or integrating a few functionalities at a time (such as PDA-phones, cell phone-cameras etc), little work has been done to systematically determine which features and functionalities should be placed in which device/s in order to reduce technology overload. This paper discusses technology overload and explores the implications of current and proposed solutions to help ease it.