Four Principles of Sociotechnical Design

Four Principles of Sociotechnical Design

Author: Caitlin Begg September 23, 2025 Duration: 8:38

In this mini episode, I detail my four principles of sociotechnical design. Sociotechnical design works to improve the relationship between people and technology, prioritizing joint optimization. I speak about psychogeography (the effect of place on our emotions and behavior), non-places, hypercommunication, and more.

I developed these four principles over the last nine years, and presented them at the 7th Nordic Science and Technology Studies conference at Stockholm University in June (the week before my wedding!). These principles can be used to improve organizations, as well as everyday life more generally.


There's a quiet but persistent feeling that something essential is getting lost in our digital shuffle. Progression to Analog is a space to examine that feeling, hosted by sociologist and Authentic Social founder Caitlin Begg. This isn't a nostalgic retreat, but a thoughtful exploration of how reintroducing analog elements-whether in communication, work, or leisure-can reshape our daily experience toward something more intentional and, ultimately, more human. Each conversation in this podcast moves beyond simple tool-swapping to ask deeper questions about presence, connection, and the architecture of our attention. You'll hear discussions that weave sociological insight with practical reflection, considering how the textures of a less-mediated life can influence our relationships, creativity, and sense of self. New episodes arrive every Monday, offering a regular pause to consider the pace and quality of the everyday. Tune in for a series that treats the analog not as an antiquated concept, but as a meaningful progression.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 39

Progression to Analog
Podcast Episodes
D̶o̶o̶m̶scrolling is good for you? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:11
Can scrolling be good for you? Yes, if you take out the doom. I explore different perspectives on scrolling, based on Harvard Medical School research, and a perspective from a UVA Professor on 'hope scrolling'. NYC volun…
We live in a simulation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:02
From a ⁠Baudrillardian (versus ⁠Bostrum-esque)⁠ angle of simulation theory, I discuss why we live in a simulation, what that means in terms of everyday life, and how we can deal with it. "THE SIMULACRUM IS NEVER WHAT HID…
One Year of Progression to Analog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:09
A year ago today, I launched the trailer for Progression to Analog. Twelve months later, I'm reflecting on what a year it was—speaking about Progression to Analog at conferences and universities across the United States…
Could you attend a concert without documenting it? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:52
I explore how phones have shifted the modern concert experience, as well as attending a concert in 2024 without documenting it. I also explore artists' and music lovers' opinions on the matter. Some of the references fro…
Coincé dans l’écran—STUCK IN THE SCREEN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:28
Just as hostages affected by Stockholm Syndrome may rationalize their captor’s actions, we often rationalize inappropriate or manipulative behaviors related to screens. This is a phenomenon that I call “coincé dans l’écr…
Blocked [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:00
I explore blocking from a sociological perspective. References: ⁠⁠Block Party: How Blocking Someone Became a Dating Power Move⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Psychopolitics⁠⁠ by Byung-Chul Han ⁠⁠Simulacra and Simulation⁠⁠ by Jean Baudrillard Episo…
AI Readiness with Amsterdam-based Rob van der Veer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:37
In this episode, Amsterdam-based Senior Principal at Software Improvement Group (SIG) Rob van der Veer and I discuss AI readiness. Rob is an experienced technologist, advisor, successful entrepreneur, and keynote speaker…
Hi from Budapest! MOME & Brain Bar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:24
In this mini episode, I speak about the contents of my ⁠masterclass at MOME⁠ (an art an design university in Budapest) and ⁠session at Brain Bar⁠ (Europe's largest festival on the future). Full-length season two episodes…
Season Two: Winter 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:55
In this season two trailer, I share milestones and insights from season one including: ​Several keynotes, seminars, and talks across the U.S. and Europe, centered around Progression to Analog and related ideas ​Upcoming…