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Technology 1: Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Introduction
In 1997, Toyota rolled-out its sedan which was powered by both the conventional combustion and electric power trains.
Effect on Daily Life
People who have bought hybrid cars enjoyed lesser fuel expenses. Hybrid cars reduce the emission of CO2 which causes global warming. Owners have also felt a sense of pride and higher self-esteem knowing that they are doing something positive about global warming.
Needs
It has addressed the need for fuel economy, an alternative to fossil fuel and the planet’s protection from pollution damage. Fossil fuel will eventually run-out and in that event, electric power will be in a position to take over. CO2 emission must also stop in the future to prevent further damage to the ozone layer due to global warming.
Impacted Fields
Lesser pollution will bring forth better human health and lessen the damage to the natural environment. The savings on fuel cost on a mass basis can course through the economy’s banking and finance systems which can be used for more production.
Parallel Developments in Society, Politics and Business
The hybrid car is a welcome response to the growing global concern on the health of our planet. The global effort was launched by the Tokyo Protocol and an increasing number of countries are giving support. Political leaders are also now being measured by their positions on the environment. The car making industry has also launched the market for hybrid cars in response to positive public demand.
(Nice, K. and Layton, J., 2000)
Impact in Kuwait
Toyota has introduced the hybrid car Prius to meet a demand which was unexpected because Kuwait is an oil-rich country with cheap oil. The environment issue may be a factor.
Technology 2: Digital Camera
Introduction
In the mid-1990’s the digital camera for mass consumption was developed. It encoded digital images for storage, viewing and print production.
Effect on Daily Life
It increased the usage of the camera as the production of stored images became cheaper. People no longer have to be cost-conscious in the number of pictures they take.
Needs
The digital camera met the need of people for more storage of visual information not only for leisure but more importantly, for scientific and business purposes. People need faster processes in producing images as in simply printing from home desk printers rather than going to shops for camera film development.
Impacted Fields
Leisure in the form of tourism was increased with tourists having almost an unlimited means to capture images. The military establishment is also heavily using digital cameras in its surveillance activities.
Parallel Developments in Society, Politics and Business
The digital camera has drastically altered the art of photography by allowing more capability to refine captured images because they are in digital form. Computer software allows editing which produces better images. The justice system has also benefitted with better trial evidences using images that have date and time stamps on them.
Impacts in Kuwait
Kuwait has many tourist attractions where the digital camera has come in handy for tourists. It is a positive influence to the tourist experience.
Technology 3: Automatic Car Brakes
Introduction
This Automatic Braking System (ABS) prevents the dangerous full lock that makes car skid, especially on slippery roads.
Effect on Daily Life
The ABS provides more safety for car passengers, reducing accidents on the road. The sense of safety and comfort has increased, especially on long trips and in dangerous road conditions such as ice and floods.
Needs
There is no limit to increasing road safety and a car’s braking system is a critical feature. To all the countries with snow and flood conditions, the ABS is a major innovation to prevent skidding accidents.
Impacted Fields
Parallel Developments in Society, Politics and Business
Since 2012, the EU has increased regulations on road safety like safety belt reminders, child seat anchorage, etc. The ABS deserves to be included in these regulations.
Impacts in My Home Region
Now and then, there are floods in Kuwait which makes the roads slippery. The ABS reduces the instances of skidding. It is a positive influence for road safety.
Technology 4: Flat Screen TV
Introduction
In 1997, Panasonic commercially released the flat screen TV which was full color and thin.
Effect on Daily Life
For small living spaces like those in condominiums and high rise buildings, the flat TV saves much floor space for residents and contributes to their living comfort.
Needs
With living spaces growing smaller especially in urban areas, people need furniture and appliances that are designed to be economical in floor space.
Impacted Fields
Adequate living space inside a home is a major in the happiness and contentment of families. It also adds to the art of interior design of the house where the flat TV contributes to better lines and spaces in a room.
Parallel Developments in Society, Politics and Business
The sense of social class based on size of home and income can be lessened if the living space problem is relieved by space-economical appliances like the flat TV. The manufacturing business has also grown with a new demand with this significant design upgrade.
Impacts in My Home Region
Almost all homes in Kuwait have flat screen TV’s and even poor people can enjoy TV without crowding their small homes.
References
Nice, K. and Layton, J. (2000 July 20). How Hybrid Cars Work. HowStuffWorks. Retrieved July 07, 2016 from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm
