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RuntimeError: can't save WORLD Rumor has it that software engineers hold the power to build the things of our future. Now, the world is filling up with technologies and devices – who knows what all of them are for? With power comes responsibility, or in this case the chance to build and write better things. Here is where strategies and concepts from the social design practice apply. They offer ideas for a holistic approach to programming, while yielding the prospect to establish a connection with your work that goes beyond the purely technical side of things.
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The talk titled 'RuntimeError: can't save WORLD' by Sonja Heinen at RubyConf 2015 emphasizes the intersection of technology, social responsibility, and environmental awareness among software engineers. Heinen uses the metaphor of the world to discuss both our planet and the human experience, encouraging programmers to connect their work with a sense of agency and care for nature. Key points discussed in the video include: - **The Concept of 'World':** Heinen reflects on the broader philosophical implications of our existence and the fragility of Earth as represented by the famous 'Blue Marble' photograph from Apollo 17. - **Overview Effect:** The shift in awareness astronauts experience when viewing Earth from space, emphasizing our interconnectedness and the necessity to take collective responsibility for environmental care. - **Wicked Problems:** Heinen addresses the complexities of addressing environmental issues, emphasizing that solutions are often messy and require a nuanced understanding rather than simple fixes like carbon offsetting. - **Technology with a Purpose:** Emphasizing the importance of integrating natural systems into technological solutions, such as using plants as biosensors or designing assistive technologies like smart canes for the elderly. - **Human-Centric Design:** Highlighting the necessity to involve end-users in the design process, as showcased by the Blind Maps project, which develops navigation tools for the visually impaired. - **Empathy in Technology:** Heinen advocates for programs that produce code benefiting human beings and their environments, calling for a more empathetic approach to programming. - **Call to Action:** She encourages mentoring in programming as a means to empower others and suggests that technology should enhance human capabilities rather than diminish them. In conclusion, Heinen's talk serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with technological power, urging software engineers to foster curiosity, compassion, and a holistic mindset towards programming and design. The overarching takeaway is the vital need to connect the technical aspects of software development with their impact on humanity and the environment.
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