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Joshua
Student
Ocala, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How can I use technology better in a way to help more people to solve their day-to-day problems? If so, would computer science or computer engineering be the key to achieve that?
How can I use technology better in a way to help more people to solve their day-to-day problems? If so, would computer science or computer engineering be the key to achieve that?
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4 answers
Fehmi Sami
2
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Fehmi’s Answer
Excellent and noble intentions!
While you have really great advice in the preceding thread, any tools and devices are only as good as the design. As such enabling an effective design requires understanding the utility of the tools. Understanding the true utility necessitates the ability to analyse and have empathy for pressing needs. My advice therefore is to complement technology learning with human behaviour insights. Don’t forget to stress on that. Human behaviour can be further specialised in improving day-to-day living, medical needs, education, etc.
While you have really great advice in the preceding thread, any tools and devices are only as good as the design. As such enabling an effective design requires understanding the utility of the tools. Understanding the true utility necessitates the ability to analyse and have empathy for pressing needs. My advice therefore is to complement technology learning with human behaviour insights. Don’t forget to stress on that. Human behaviour can be further specialised in improving day-to-day living, medical needs, education, etc.
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
50
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
That's a noble and powerful goal Joshua. Using technology to solve day to day problems for many people means focusing on practical design, and scalable solutions. Instead of just building complex systems, you need to understand the human need first.
Both Computer Science (CS) and Computer Engineering (CE) are excellent pathways, but they offer different skill sets for this goal.
Computer Science gives you the deep software and data skills (coding, algorithms, AI) needed to design the brains of applications and services. This is ideal for creating smart, data-driven apps that solve problems.
Computer Engineering focuses more on the hardware and systems side, teaching you how to build the physical devices or optimize the underlying infrastructure.
Both Computer Science (CS) and Computer Engineering (CE) are excellent pathways, but they offer different skill sets for this goal.
Computer Science gives you the deep software and data skills (coding, algorithms, AI) needed to design the brains of applications and services. This is ideal for creating smart, data-driven apps that solve problems.
Computer Engineering focuses more on the hardware and systems side, teaching you how to build the physical devices or optimize the underlying infrastructure.
Kirthi KN
Computers
35
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Kirthi’s Answer
Hello Joshua,
First of all, hats off to you. Usually, students ask, "Which major will give me the highest salary?" or "Which job is secure?" It is very rare and refreshing to see someone asking how to use these fields for kindness and helping others. You have a good heart, my friend.
To answer your question: Both are excellent keys, but they open different doors. Let me break it down simply for you.
1. Computer Science (The Software/Logic Side) Think of this as the "brain" of the solution. If you want to solve daily problems by building apps, websites, or using data, CS is the way.
Example: Imagine an elderly person who forgets to take their medicine. A CS student would build an app that sends a loud reminder to their phone or alerts their family member if they miss a dose.
The Impact: It is very scalable. You write code once, and millions of people can download it and get help instantly. In India, for example, we use simple apps (UPI) to let even small vegetable vendors accept digital payments. That is CS solving a massive daily hassle of carrying cash.
2. Computer Engineering (The Hardware/Physical Side) Think of this as the "body" that does the work. If you want to build physical gadgets, sensors, or robots to help people, CE is your path.
Example: Taking that same elderly person—a CE student might build a "smart pillbox" that physically unlocks only at the right time, or a sensor system that detects if they fall down and automatically calls 911.
The Impact: It interacts with the real world. You are building tools that people can touch and wear.
So, how do you choose? Ask yourself this: When you see a problem, do you immediately think, "I wish there was an app for this"? Or do you think, "I wish there was a machine or gadget that could do this"?
If you like logic, math, and coding screens to make life efficient: Go for Computer Science.
If you like circuits, putting things together, and making electricity do smart things: Go for Computer Engineering.
But let me tell you a secret—these days, the lines are blurring. To build a really helpful robot, you need code (CS) and sensors (CE). My advice? Pick the one that excites you more, but keep learning a little bit about the other side too.
Technology is just a tool, Joshua. The real magic comes from your intention to help. Keep that mindset, and you will do wonders in either field.
All the best!
First of all, hats off to you. Usually, students ask, "Which major will give me the highest salary?" or "Which job is secure?" It is very rare and refreshing to see someone asking how to use these fields for kindness and helping others. You have a good heart, my friend.
To answer your question: Both are excellent keys, but they open different doors. Let me break it down simply for you.
1. Computer Science (The Software/Logic Side) Think of this as the "brain" of the solution. If you want to solve daily problems by building apps, websites, or using data, CS is the way.
Example: Imagine an elderly person who forgets to take their medicine. A CS student would build an app that sends a loud reminder to their phone or alerts their family member if they miss a dose.
The Impact: It is very scalable. You write code once, and millions of people can download it and get help instantly. In India, for example, we use simple apps (UPI) to let even small vegetable vendors accept digital payments. That is CS solving a massive daily hassle of carrying cash.
2. Computer Engineering (The Hardware/Physical Side) Think of this as the "body" that does the work. If you want to build physical gadgets, sensors, or robots to help people, CE is your path.
Example: Taking that same elderly person—a CE student might build a "smart pillbox" that physically unlocks only at the right time, or a sensor system that detects if they fall down and automatically calls 911.
The Impact: It interacts with the real world. You are building tools that people can touch and wear.
So, how do you choose? Ask yourself this: When you see a problem, do you immediately think, "I wish there was an app for this"? Or do you think, "I wish there was a machine or gadget that could do this"?
If you like logic, math, and coding screens to make life efficient: Go for Computer Science.
If you like circuits, putting things together, and making electricity do smart things: Go for Computer Engineering.
But let me tell you a secret—these days, the lines are blurring. To build a really helpful robot, you need code (CS) and sensors (CE). My advice? Pick the one that excites you more, but keep learning a little bit about the other side too.
Technology is just a tool, Joshua. The real magic comes from your intention to help. Keep that mindset, and you will do wonders in either field.
All the best!
cassandra Harris
Social / Emotional learning Teacher
38
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
cassandra’s Answer
Technology helps people when it makes life easier, faster, safer, or more accessible. You can make an impact by:
1. Identifying real problems people struggle with, pay attention to everyday frustrations people mention, slow processes, confusing systems, things that waste time, or tasks that could be automated.
2. Designing tools that make life easier
This could be:
Apps that help people stay organized or communicate better
Websites that give clear, accessible information
Devices that monitor health or safety
Programs that automate boring tasks
Assistive technology for people with disabilities
AI tools that help people learn, translate, or problem-solve
Even small inventions can make a huge difference in someone’s daily life.
3. Thinking about who needs help the most
Technology can support:
Students
Elderly people
People with disabilities
Workers who need safer or easier tools
Families trying to stay organized
Communities need better communication
The more you understand people’s needs, the better you can design solutions.
In regard to your question: Would computer science or computer engineering help me do this?
Both can help you make a difference, but in different ways:
🖥️ Computer Science (CS)
Focus: software, apps, programming, algorithms, AI
This is the best path if you want to:
Create apps and websites
Build software that solves problems
Work with artificial intelligence or machine learning
Design tools that help people communicate, learn, or manage life
Improve digital systems and online services
CS is about using code to solve human problems.
If you imagine yourself making an app or program that helps people, that’s computer science.
⚙️ Computer Engineering (CE)
Focus: hardware, electronics, devices, robotics
This is the best path if you want to:
Build physical devices that help people (medical devices, robots, sensors)
Design smart technology like wearables or home-automation tools
Work on how computers, circuits, and systems physically function
Invent new gadgets that make tasks easier or safer
CE is about creating the physical technology that runs the world.
If you picture yourself building devices that solve problems—that’s computer engineering.
Which one should you choose?
Ask yourself:
Do I like coding and software → Computer Science
Do I like gadgets, electronics, and building devices → Computer Engineering
Do I like both? → You can start with general engineering or take intro classes in both areas!
The truth:
You can help people in huge ways, no matter which path you choose.
Some of the best solutions come from CS + CE working together.
1. Identifying real problems people struggle with, pay attention to everyday frustrations people mention, slow processes, confusing systems, things that waste time, or tasks that could be automated.
2. Designing tools that make life easier
This could be:
Apps that help people stay organized or communicate better
Websites that give clear, accessible information
Devices that monitor health or safety
Programs that automate boring tasks
Assistive technology for people with disabilities
AI tools that help people learn, translate, or problem-solve
Even small inventions can make a huge difference in someone’s daily life.
3. Thinking about who needs help the most
Technology can support:
Students
Elderly people
People with disabilities
Workers who need safer or easier tools
Families trying to stay organized
Communities need better communication
The more you understand people’s needs, the better you can design solutions.
In regard to your question: Would computer science or computer engineering help me do this?
Both can help you make a difference, but in different ways:
🖥️ Computer Science (CS)
Focus: software, apps, programming, algorithms, AI
This is the best path if you want to:
Create apps and websites
Build software that solves problems
Work with artificial intelligence or machine learning
Design tools that help people communicate, learn, or manage life
Improve digital systems and online services
CS is about using code to solve human problems.
If you imagine yourself making an app or program that helps people, that’s computer science.
⚙️ Computer Engineering (CE)
Focus: hardware, electronics, devices, robotics
This is the best path if you want to:
Build physical devices that help people (medical devices, robots, sensors)
Design smart technology like wearables or home-automation tools
Work on how computers, circuits, and systems physically function
Invent new gadgets that make tasks easier or safer
CE is about creating the physical technology that runs the world.
If you picture yourself building devices that solve problems—that’s computer engineering.
Which one should you choose?
Ask yourself:
Do I like coding and software → Computer Science
Do I like gadgets, electronics, and building devices → Computer Engineering
Do I like both? → You can start with general engineering or take intro classes in both areas!
The truth:
You can help people in huge ways, no matter which path you choose.
Some of the best solutions come from CS + CE working together.