Russell Davies, a digital strategist, shares his insights on the inevitability of technological advancement. He highlights how the progress of technology is often perceived as inevitable, but argues that this belief is misguided.
Davies uses the example of the QWERTY keyboard to illustrate his point. The QWERTY keyboard, despite being designed for the mechanical needs of typewriters, has persisted into the digital age. This is not due to its inherent superiority, but rather a series of historical accidents and path dependencies.
In the same vein, he suggests that the internet’s current form is not the result of inevitable technological progression. Rather, the internet’s design and structure are shaped by historical accidents, economic factors, and political decisions.
He concludes by stressing the importance of understanding this perspective. Recognising that the current state of technology is not predestined allows for the possibility of change and innovation. It opens up the debate about what kind of internet and digital tools society wants and needs.
Davies’ insights challenge the common perception of technological inevitability and highlight the role of human decisions in shaping the digital landscape. His ideas prompt a reevaluation of how we view and interact with technology.
Go to source article: http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/2014/11/inevitable.html