Behind-the-back designates influences of technology which work indirectly, not by direct contact before-the-eye or to-the-hand, but via the environment. In this quadrant one finds in particular historical geographical, and sociological insights about technology.
The three exemplary effects are side effects, background conditions, and technical determinism.
Because this type of influence is indirect en because the environment is extended without a border it is impossible to simply apply behind-the-back effects. Acknowledgment of the circumstances makes it possible to adapt products. And to some degree one can design products together with services or infrastructure.