Development and Dissemination of Information Technology Guidelines for Promoting Japanese-style Wellbeing

Project Outline

It is pointed out that while information technology makes human　intellectual tasks more efficient, it also has negative effects on the　psychological state of users. Thus, guidelines for designing　mind-enriching information technology are being sought from a　different standpoint than that of mere efficiency.

This Project focuses on Japan-specific value systems (i.e., the values　generated from human relationships vis-à-vis the group one belongs to　or one processes as objective), rather than just focusing on the subjective　happiness of individuals, a view that is dominant in Western individualistic　culture.

We will establish and disseminate information technology guidelines　with an emphasis on how we can introduce such Japan-specific value　systems of wellbeing into information technology and how information　technology can approach Japan-specific problems. And, through such　efforts, we will aim to build a platform that will enable the creation　and the development of information technology truly fitting with　modern society.

The long-term vision of this Project is to build a model of　information technology better fitted to the sense of values specific　to Japanese society by implementing Japanese-style wellbeing that will　complement Western-style wellbeing, and to make Japan-originated　proposals that can contribute to the development of international　discussion on wellbeing.

To this end, we will establish information technology guidelines that　will help any developer promote wellbeing through a transparent　administration process in which a broad variety of entities can take　part, and concretely discuss how we should reconcile them with social　systems such as laws and policies. By doing this, we hope to see a　coherent relationship take shape between human beings and technology.

Investigators

Participating and Cooperating Organizations