Human standards (WIP)

Human standards, by humans.

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cache-advance.config.js
package.json
export default {
  strategy: 'predictive',
  engine: {
    cpus: 12,
    backups: ['./storage/cache.wtf'],
  },
}

Introduction

What are Human Standards?

Human Standards are principles for ensuring technology respects our rights, enhances our well-being, and empowers us all. We're building the guide for a digital world designed for people – explore how.

Installation

Step-by-step guides to setting up your system and installing the library.

Architecture guide

Learn how the internals work and contribute.

Plugins

Extend the library with third-party plugins or write your own.

API reference

Learn to easily customize and modify your app's visual design to fit your brand.

Human Standards are written for the digital world, from a human perspective.

Why human standards?

The digital age has unfurled a world of unprecedented connection, innovation, and access. Technology has woven itself into the very fabric of our lives, shaping how we learn, work, connect, and perceive reality. Yet, as this digital landscape expands at breathtaking speed, a critical question emerges: Is our technology truly serving humanity's best interests?

Too often, the answer feels uncertain. We see digital experiences that can feel extractive rather than empowering, divisive rather than unifying, and overwhelming rather than supportive of our well-being. The pursuit of innovation, without a strong ethical compass centered on human needs, risks creating a future where we serve technology more than it serves us.

This is where Human Standards comes in.

Our vision: A Digital World That Uplifts Humanity

We envision a digital future where technology is a powerful force for good, designed with a profound understanding of and respect for human values, rights, and overall well-being. A future where:

  • Digital tools empower individuals with agency and control.
  • Online environments foster respect, inclusivity, and genuine connection.
  • Innovation is guided by ethical principles that prioritize fairness, safety, and dignity.
  • The impact on our mental, emotional, and societal health is a primary consideration in the design and deployment of all digital products and services.

humanstandards.org was born from the belief that this vision is not only possible but essential. We aim to be a living, open, and collaborative resource—a beacon for anyone who believes in a more humane digital future. We are not just about pointing out problems, but about collectively building the principles, guidelines, and best practices that can guide us there.

Our core values: The Compass Guiding Our Work

These values are the bedrock of Human Standards, shaping our content, our community, and our approach:

  1. Human-Centricity: Our foremost commitment is to the well-being, dignity, rights, and flourishing of all people. Every standard we propose will be viewed through the lens of its impact on human lives.
  2. Ethical Foundation: We believe in grounding digital practices in enduring ethical principles such as fairness, justice, autonomy, beneficence (doing good), and non-maleficence (doing no harm).
  3. Openness & Transparency: We are committed to open collaboration and complete transparency. Our standards, discussions, and development processes will be publicly accessible, inviting scrutiny and participation.
  4. Inclusivity & Accessibility: A humane digital world must be for everyone. We strive to develop standards that consider the diverse needs of all individuals, regardless of age, ability, background, or circumstance. Our community and resources will aim to be equally accessible and welcoming.
  5. Empowerment: We aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to understand their digital rights and experiences. We also seek to empower designers, developers, and policymakers with clear, actionable guidance to build better technology.
  6. Action-Oriented & Practical: While rooted in strong principles, our focus is on creating standards that are practical, understandable, and implementable. We want to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
  7. Collaborative Co-Creation: We believe that the most robust and meaningful standards emerge from diverse perspectives and collective wisdom. This platform is a space for co-creation, inviting contributions from all who share our vision.
  8. Proactivity & Foresight: We aim not only to address current challenges but also to anticipate future ones, fostering a forward-looking approach to the relationship between humanity and technology.
  9. Respect & Empathy: All our interactions and content will be guided by a fundamental respect for different viewpoints and a deep empathy for the human experience in the digital age.

Join Us in Shaping a Better Digital Future

Creating a digital world that truly serves humanity is a monumental task, but it's one we believe is within our collective reach. humanstandards.org is an invitation to learn, to discuss, to contribute, and to build. Whether you are a concerned citizen, a tech creator, an ethicist, a policymaker, or simply someone who believes in a better digital tomorrow, your voice is needed.

Let's work together to define and champion the standards that will ensure technology uplifts us all.

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Installation