ABSTRACT
Human existence spans two broad periods: prehistory and recorded history. Technological innovation began far earlier than recorded history and even before Homo sapiens: Early humans began using tools some three million years ago. The origins of modern technology could be said to begin with metal casting 7,500 years ago. The time since then can be divided into three ages: pre-industrial, industrial-modern, and digital. At key moments in the past, breakthroughs in communication had profound influences on how societies were structured and how people lived. Significant innovations are: speech, design, writing, paper, steam power, electricity, broadcasting, digital devices, and so on. Early humans invented design by decorating utilitarian objects such as tools, clothing and pottery, and art by making objects for no purpose other than personal expression, including carved figurines, jewelry, and cave wall paintings. Communication technology over the last two millennia emerged sequentially in three areas: first in East Asia, then in Europe, and most recently in the United States.
