SEIDOR brings one of the world's leading advocates for inclusive technology to Spain

Barcelona, March 18, 2024. SEIDOR, a consultancy specialized in technology services and solutions, renews its role as the sole technological partner of Sónar, to be held in Barcelona on June 13, 14, and 15. In this edition, SEIDOR invites the academic, researcher, and activist Sasha Costanza-Chock to deliver a conference at Sónar+D on June 14, where she will discuss the need to redesign technology to benefit society as a whole rather than a dominant minority.

A graduate of Harvard University and a Ph.D. holder from the University of Southern California, Sasha Costanza-Chock is an academic, researcher, and non-binary individual who has served as an associate professor at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, they are the author of numerous articles for various publications and research papers, as well as several books that have become references in inclusivity, such as "Design Justice," where they propose collaborative design practices that prioritize community involvement to create more equitable and sustainable environments.

The American activist has also spearheaded and been involved in directing various organizations that promote inclusivity and social awareness through design and activism, such as Allied Media Projects and Design Justice Network.

Inclusive technology for a fairer and more equitable world

As part of Sónar+D, the international meeting of art, science, and digital culture that explores the impact of creativity on transforming the present and imagining new futures every year, Sasha Costanza-Chock will present their arguments on how to redesign technology to be more inclusive and thus build a fairer and more equitable world.

In this regard, the academic argues that, on the contrary, "if technology is not properly redirected, there is a risk of consolidating a limited vision of technology that excludes a majority of people and communities."

Thus, Sónar 2024 represents an opportunity to learn about this activist's proposals to promote technological solutions that reflect diversity, challenging dominant paradigms that, according to them, perpetuate the privileges of a "white, male, and privileged" minority.

According to Sasha Costanza-Chock, if a more sustainable and inclusive world is not built, "technology runs the risk of perpetuating current patterns of domination, which could lead to the collapse of the world as we know it."

Inclusivity through design

For Costanza-Chock, "design" is an activity that encompasses multiple areas, from urban planning to media publications, considering it a powerful tool "to promote social justice and societal transformation, as well as technological environments." According to the activist, this relevance of design stems from its omnipresence in all aspects of our environment and, for this reason, "shapes reality and has a profound impact on people's daily lives."

For this reason, Sasha Costanza-Chock considers it indispensable to "redesign" technology to challenge and transform "the oppressive system in which we are immersed," which perpetuates exclusionary behaviors. In this sense, to effectively redesign and develop technology, marginalized communities must be involved.

Invitation to 500 IT Students

As part of Sónar 2024, SEIDOR will hold sessions on diversity and technological inclusivity, which, on Thursday, June 13, will bring together more than 500 students from technical degrees, from higher-level vocational training centers and universities in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.

During this private SEIDOR event, Sasha Costanza-Chock will deliver a lecture on technological inclusivity, and various roundtable discussions will be held, with representatives from IT companies alongside organizations dedicated to promoting equality and diversity to eliminate discrimination and prejudice.

SEIDOR's decision to collaborate again with Sónar is part of the technology consultancy's purpose of 'Humanizing Technology'; it is a claim that summarizes the company's reason for existence and guides its activity, integrating the expectations of society, organizations, and the stakeholders with which it interacts.

In this regard, Iván González, Director of Marketing, Communication, and Sustainability at SEIDOR, pointed out that "we renew our collaboration with Sónar because, as a company, we want to continue stimulating thought and ideas, contributing to amplifying the global debate on the relationship between technology and people." Thus, González added that "technology must embrace the values that make us human, contributing to a more diverse, inclusive, and environmentally respectful world."

Sónar 2024

On June 13th, 14th, and 15th, the 31st edition of the Barcelona Festival of Music, Innovation, and Creativity will bring together contemporary icons, dance music pioneers, and innovators from various eras and disciplines. Among the more than 200 shows, DJ sets, activities, and collaborations in the Sónar Barcelona program, highlights include Air's performance of "Moon Safari," Charlotte de Witte presents "Overdrive," Kaytranada, Paul Kalkbrenner, Jessie Ware, Vince Staples, Laurent Garnier, Floating Points, Kittin b2b David Vunk, Folamour A/V, Richie Hawtin, and Adriatique. Additionally, as part of Sónar by Day, Sónar+D will take place, the meeting of digital innovation and creativity, which this year will address the massive implementation of Artificial Intelligence in creative industries and how it determines their present and future.