Optentia Research Programme 03
Technology and Capability
Studying how emerging technologies can expand human capability and support people rather than overshadow them.
Programme focus
Technology in service of humanity.
Research across artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented reality, virtual reality and human functioning.
About the programme
How should technology serve human capability?
This programme studies the relationship between technology, human capability and the ways in which people function. Its central concern is whether technological development improves people's real opportunities to act, participate and flourish.
Advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality create powerful possibilities. They also create conditions in which commercial momentum and technical novelty can move faster than careful consideration of human needs.
The programme investigates how technologies can be conceived, designed and evaluated in ways that serve humanity and contribute to meaningful individual and social outcomes.
01
Question
Examine whose needs, values and capabilities guide technological development.
02
Design
Explore technologies and systems shaped around human capability and lived experience.
03
Evaluate
Assess the effects of technology on functioning, participation and well-being.
Programme leadership
Leadership and research
Programme leader
Position vacant
The programme-leader appointment is currently vacant. This panel can be updated once an appointment is confirmed.
Photo to come
International and interdisciplinary expertise
Extraordinary professors
Photo to come
Prof Japie Greeff
Photo to come
Prof Sufen Chen
Photo to come
Prof Reolyn Heyman
Photo to come
Prof Saskia Kelders
Photo to come
Prof Olya Kudina
Photo to come
Prof JT Janse van Rensburg
Photo to come
Prof Darelle van Greunen
Programme outputs
Technology in practice
Publications
Recent scholarship
A curated selection of programme publications will be added here, with links to the journal or NWU repository.
Projects
Current research and prototypes
Programme projects will be presented through their human need, technology, collaborators, outputs and contribution.
Connect with the programme
Interested in human-centred technology research?
Contact Dr Lance Bunt about research alignment, collaboration or postgraduate study.