About people, people people. Socio-technical diagramming is the practice of visually representing both technological systems and their social contexts, highlighting the interconnections between them. In sociotechnical systems theory, this approach encompasses not just the visible elements, like hardware and software, but also the often invisible social structures that influence and are influenced by technology. Socio-technical diagrams include aspects such as workers’ rights, end users’ needs, and cultural factors, offering a holistic view of the system.

By integrating both human and technological components into one diagram, socio-technical diagramming helps clarify complex systems, making them easier to analyze. This approach enables the identification of potential risks in AI models and supports responsible decision-making. For instance, understanding how users, organizations, and technological elements interact can highlight unintended consequences or ethical concerns before they arise.

However, a challenge with socio-technical diagrams is that they can sometimes oversimplify or misrepresent the relationship between technology and society. These diagrams risk creating metaphors that lead to misunderstandings, or they may appear to suggest that technology is the primary driver of societal change, rather than portraying the two as co-evolving. Therefore, it’s essential to approach socio-technical diagramming with nuance and a clear understanding of the reciprocal relationship between technology and society.

Sources:

Anatomy of an AI System – Kate Crawford / AI Now Institute and Vladan Joler / SHARE Lab https://anatomyof.ai

Collective Action in Tech, “Bits in the Machine” https://collectiveaction.tech/2024/bits-in-the-machine/