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Amazing! You are a Tech Experimenter.
OutlineYou are a Tech Experimenter, an individual who is interested in using 'technology for good'. You have a curious nature, so like to find and use technology products or services that have been designed to make people's lives easier, to allow people to connect to services for daily lives such as finance, education, health and transport. As someone who is of a solution focused nature, you are not necessarily looking to find problems per se, but to analyse the purpose of the piece of technology and question whether there are ways to simplify the overall user experience. By finding new ways to improve people's lives and experience, this would allow technology to become more accessible, affordable and usable, that has been designed and created by people.-As a Tech Experimenter, you are used to having a set focus and ambition on what you want to achieve. This discipline, along with your technical experience means that you have seen most of the mainstream technology that has existed, the good, bad and the ugly. Your sense of good judgement in being able to have a level of transparency in the use of technology and ensuring that no one is being vulnerable or taken advantage of from it.-As an individual, you can work independently and be a team player too. You understand that for technology to succeed, you need a myriad of skills and support to develop an efficient and effective product. As we are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is now more important than ever, to continue to better understand the effects and impact of the human relationship with technology so that the technology that is continually being created, is one that will benefit people and make positive change on social needs. As a Tech Experimenter, you are passionate in exploring technological issues, you remain creative in analysing the issues to find an appropriate solution and avoid creating the next best thing or craze.Case StudyFor example, Katrina, an entrepreneur working with start-ups and fast growth digital and technology businesses, felt that there had been a lack of movement in her local area for start-ups and fast growing businesses. She wanted a change to bring a focus into her area and help bring opportunities to groups who may not be as familiar with using technology. She went to set up initiatives and platforms to allow for other technological and digital businesses to have a voice and to connect further on a national level.-Katrina started a social media campaign and opened up a pop-up start-up hub which became very popular in the community ad lasted for a few years as a space for other entrepreneurs and start-ups to work in and connect with each other. She then created Tech week to further promote entrepreneurship and hosted events that looked to develop digital and technological skills and highlight collaboration and innovation in the local area. Another initiative set up was to further connect people of all ages through a programme that allows businesses to connect, learn and collaborate with young people and vice versa, by using creative thinking, design and an open communication led approach to help sustainably improve the local infrastructure and transport links.-In order to further help people understand how to broaden their digital skills, Katrina focused on providing a learning course to help apprentices and people who are looking to return to work to get up to speed with the best digital skills to equip in their next job. The success in bringing together a positive impact to the community has enabled a variety of digital skills initiatives and technological entrepreneurship events to continue in connecting people from all walks of life, allowing them to be able to help solve problems in their local communities and beyond.Reflections and Your SDG StrengthsSo how does a Tech Experimenter make a positive difference? There are many ways to build on the contributions they may have already made. They can get involved with local and national charities, civil organisations, educational institutions and business in taking part in creatively designing and experimenting for better tech for good.-To give you some ideas on the areas that people would look to tackle this are organisation(s) who are looking to bring attention to discovering and progressing new 'technology for good' that address social needs such as for food, logistics, transport, environment, finance, health, employment and agriculture. The SDGs provide a great framework for Tech Experimenter, including:SDG 5 - Gender EqualitySDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic GrowthSDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureSDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and ProductionHow to Make a ChangeTo learn more about how you can help volunteer, check out Goodnet, a media platform to find ways to create positive impact. For help in shifting your business towards positive outcomes click here, or for ideas of the kind of businesses you could start, click here. -Share your results on social media below and don't forget to mention Pineapple in your post.