NOTE: The following is the second excerpt from the small contribution I was proud to have made to the “Learning Perspectives 2010” collection put out by The Masie Center in memory and commemoration of Jonathan Kays. (see previous postings for details).
It is my contention that changes falling resulting from the Snowflake Effect of mass personalization such as the Third Industrial Revolution I covered in the previous posting and the dramatic transformation of “physically real” things are disruptive changes that will shake up and shape our future at a holistic and societal level. In addition to their direct use and applications to learning my greater concern and excitement is on the new skills, competencies and knowledge required by all of us as “students” living in this world and therefore the challenges and opportunities this presents to learning, education and training.
Enjoy and please add your comments or create your own postings with your reactions!
- Wayne
The Snowflake Effect is causing dramatic changes in the world of things as they rapidly transform from being mass produced to mass personalized and, in the process, become snowflakes themselves. Flexible manufacturing was one of the initial enablers of this transformation, but that was just the beginning. With the advent of more computer-controlled design and machining, and, more recently, the introduction of affordable 3D printers and scanners, we are seeing an increase in the personalization of individual items that can be designed and produced to match the unique context of an individual person/situation for no more - and often for less - cost than previously mass produced things.
This is about disruptive innovation: not disruptive elimination. We do not want or need everything to be unique. Large scale items such as airplanes and cruise ships will likely continue to be produced in quantity; but even now, these items are uniquely built to match the individual customer and be adapted to match some specific routes or conditions. Many large scale items are already being designed and built so that they can be changed over time to match contextual changes, whether predicted or not. For example, several of the world’s naval forces are building their newest ships so that they can be reconfigured to match different contexts of use, like switching from a configuration best suited for military situations to one that better accommodates response to natural disasters.
There will likely always be a need for some mass produced parts. We will still want large numbers of exactly the same thing (like fasteners, screws, nuts, bolts, etc.). There will be instances when many people will want to have the exact same thing and there will continue to be fads around popular books, songs and movies. But these will be at the front end of the Long Tail and small in number. As you move down the curve of the Long Tail, you find that more and more things for more and more people have less and less in common.
For example, even if I really like the pen you just showed me and we can “print” an exact duplicate for me, I might want to modify it a bit - to be shorter, heavier or more curved to better fit my hand and match the way I write. The same dynamics will play out for coffee cups, eyeglasses, shoes, chairs and certainly our learning in both process and content. In this way, there will be an equivalent Long Tail of things and it will be a spectrum with products falling at all points along the exponential curve towards uniqueness. As we are seeing with the Long Tail effect on music, movies, books and the like, the transition will be such that the volume of objects at the unique end of the tail will rise dramatically and become the majority in terms of instances, business and learning.
Above and beyond being mass customized and personalized by their design and production, things are increasingly connected to each other and us as we use them. One version of this is often referred to as “The Internet of Things”. A commonly cited example is the way in which home appliances are being connected to each other and the Internet for everything from monitoring energy use to setting thermostats and timing when to turn things off and on. All the items in your fridge are able to dynamically update their status in terms of how full they are, their expiration date, peak freshness and so on to help you choose what’s best to make for dinner tonight and what to pick up at the grocery store on your way home.
Start to think smaller and smarter: imagine and prepare yourself for things like “smart” and digital dust, dirt, pixels, locations, ink dots and paint. Products or “things” are going to increasingly be snowflakes themselves; alike, perhaps, but no two exactly the same. Just like us, as things become more like snowflakes, they too will start to have their own identity, networks, conversations and even their own “social networks”. Indeed, if you’re paying attention, many already do! But it is the more far reaching and latent effects of these changes - especially those on how, when, where and what we learn - that are most exciting.
The revolution in the world of learning is upon us and it is as daunting as it is exciting and powerful. The best way to predict the future is to design your own; therefore, we can strategically and serendipitously lead the transformation of learning, training and education rather than have it happen to us. By exploring and better understanding current trends and directions of the Snowflake Effect on the world of “things”, we will be able to bring the power of mass personalization to the world of learning. Each of us will be able to experience great learning moments every day.
The world with the passing of time making things functional yet within our hands. Things like gadgets are smaller and smaller as time comes. There are tablets, cellphones with a feature of a computer and even computer with keyboards that were shrunk yet functional. Snowflakes effect as they call it have made the world smaller than we could imagine.
Posted by: portable keyboards | February 04, 2011 at 12:16 PM
With the passage of time the world shrinks as we make more things smaller and more functional and yet our thirst for knowledge is never diminished.
Posted by: Bad Credit Loans UK | February 15, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Start your search early and you will have time to make a decision that will help guide you to the best results.
Posted by: atlanta defense lawyer | March 07, 2011 at 05:37 PM
As time moves on, we continue to desire smaller and more efficient devices. This all relates to our thirst of knowledge and to live our lives in a more 'compact'way.
Posted by: yamaha ypt 320 | March 26, 2011 at 02:25 AM
the transition will be such that the volume of objects at the unique end of the tail will rise dramatically and become the majority in terms of instances
Posted by: vibram five fingers | April 16, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Oh God you are a genius person and a good photographer i like your pics thanks.
Posted by: replica designer handbags | April 18, 2011 at 10:52 AM
What a wonderful perspective on life in general. We as human beings have an ever growing hunger and appetite for increasing our knowledge.
Posted by: Mackie MR5 | April 29, 2011 at 04:08 PM
The third Industrial Revolution will require an equal or greater revolution in education
Posted by: cheap jerseys | June 03, 2011 at 10:09 AM
I very much agree, but feel like I've forgotten this. I have 3 little ones as well. A bit of a gap b/w the first and second so he helps out a ton, but it was just him for so long, that he lacks a bit of SELF sufficiency. He was babied for so long that sometimes he reverts back.
Posted by: chaussures mbt | June 22, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I am not a big Bieber fan but I appreciate what he has done.
Posted by: Derek Jeter Jersey | June 30, 2011 at 06:34 AM
I think the number one thing that effects the world would be human life. We cause pollution, overpopulation, destruction, wars, the astronomical amount of garbage we just pile up around the world, the devestation of entire cultures, I could go on and on.
Posted by: Asian Tv | July 05, 2011 at 10:40 AM
I'm still learning from you, but I'm trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the information coming. I loved it!
Posted by: Buy medicine | July 18, 2011 at 09:26 PM
I think the number one thing that effects the world would be human life.
Posted by: nfl uniforms | August 08, 2011 at 07:06 AM
I think the number one thing that effects the world would be human life.
Posted by: nfl jerseys wholesale | August 09, 2011 at 10:56 AM
I think the number one thing that effects the world would be human life.
Posted by: sports hat | August 10, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Ralph Lauren Women’s Mesh Polo http://www.ralphlaurens-outlet.com/ralph-lauren-polos-womens-mesh-polos-c-4_13.html
Ralph Lauren Sweatshirts http://www.ralphlaurens-outlet.com/ralph-lauren-sweatshirts-c-14.html
Posted by: Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt | August 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Yes your previous posting was the dramatic transformation of “physically real” things.I
Posted by: Bad credit mortgage loans | August 25, 2011 at 11:14 AM
love you not because of who you are,but because of who I am when I am with you. http://www.viviennewestwoodswear.com/ vivienne westwood
Posted by: ugg short boots | September 21, 2011 at 02:55 PM
Very useful article for me, there is more information I have is very important. Thank you! I'm glad you could get out of it to share with us.
Posted by: Greg Olsen Jersey | October 14, 2011 at 09:57 AM
I like your pictures !
Posted by: Parbrize | November 08, 2011 at 07:16 PM
When we say Industrial Revolution that was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times.
Posted by: Events Courses Brisbane | November 15, 2011 at 07:32 AM
Industrial revolution caused a seismic shift in every aspect of life, it had a profound effect on the human condition, especially on urban workers. One distinguished feature of industrial revolution was urbanization. A shift of occupation from agrarian to industrial led to a sharp increase in city populations, which was not associated with developments in infrastructure, sanitation, city planning, law and order etc. Thus diseases, crimes and filth became dominant themes of city life. Working conditions were also hard as factories were dirty, hot, unhygienic and sometimes dangerous with no safety measures.
Posted by: Superannuation Funds Australia | November 16, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Innovation is one of those weighty words that are eagerly bandied around in modern society. The importance of innovation can partly be seen in the fact that educational policies are expected to be innovative rather than simply appropriate.
Posted by: Diploma of Networking | December 14, 2011 at 10:12 AM
The happenings of environment today acts weird. I guess we are already experiencing the effect of the global warming.
Posted by: gynecologist chandler | December 21, 2011 at 04:19 PM
Impressive blog! -Arron
Posted by: rc helicopter | December 21, 2011 at 04:49 PM
What a wonderful perspective on life in general. We as human beings have an ever growing hunger and appetite for increasing our knowledge.
Posted by: y8 | February 08, 2012 at 11:51 AM
Merci pour le partage de l'auteur, impatient de plus d'articles de bons. . . . .
Posted by: casquette ralph lauren | March 08, 2012 at 10:07 AM
Sus acuarelas son simplemente increíbles, y van muy bien con el estilo de sus fotografías. Usted tiene un gran gusto para estas cosas, y me alegro de que hayas publicado sobre este evento. En cuanto al retrato, que se parece mucho a usted, especialmente si nos fijamos en la expresión de la cara, muy so?adora y teniendo en cuenta, al mismo tiempo =) cejas grandes, demasiado;)
Posted by: camisetas g-star | April 20, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Flexible manufacturing was one of the initial enablers of this transformation, but that was just the beginning.
Posted by: OBEY Snapback | May 08, 2012 at 02:51 PM
What a wonderful perspective on life in general. We as human beings have an ever growing hunger and appetite for increasing our knowledge.
Matt.
Posted by: Matt | July 05, 2012 at 09:49 AM
I'm still learning from you, but I'm trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the information coming. I loved it!
Matt.
Posted by: Matt | July 05, 2012 at 01:20 PM
I very much agree, but feel like I've forgotten this. I have 3 little ones as well. A bit of a gap b/w the first and second so he helps out a ton, but it was just him for so long, that he lacks a bit of SELF sufficiency. He was babied for so long that sometimes he reverts back.
Matt.
Posted by: Matt | July 10, 2012 at 09:19 AM
Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors.
Posted by: buy tadalafil | July 30, 2012 at 11:48 AM
You guys make it really easy for all the folks out there.
http://badcreditloans-personal.info
Posted by: Account Deleted | August 03, 2012 at 11:09 AM
ike switching from a configuration best suited for military situations to one that better accommodates response to natural disasters.
Posted by: Celtics Snapback | August 13, 2012 at 05:40 AM
Wasp dudes! Awesome stuff keep it up.
http://www.bestratedbadcreditloans.com/
Posted by: Graham Goch | August 23, 2012 at 08:41 AM
Interesting information I haven’t been through such information in a long time.
http://www.duihelpnow.com/
Posted by: Account Deleted | September 08, 2012 at 09:13 AM
Thumbs up guys your doing a really good job.
http://www.prstand.com/article.php?id=55353
Posted by: Account Deleted | September 15, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Good day! In this post did you use the data from any studies or these are totally your own conclusions? Can't wait to see your reply.
Posted by: DebbieSmith | December 14, 2012 at 01:13 PM
I read and walked for miles at night along the beach, writing bad blank verse and searching endlessly for someone wonderful who would step out of the darkness and change my life. It never crossed my mind that that person could be me.
Posted by: business broadband providers | January 02, 2013 at 01:28 PM
Very nice article, exactly what I needed.
Posted by: Nike Free Run 3 Mens | September 12, 2013 at 11:06 AM
What's up, everything is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that's really good, keep up writing.
Posted by: buy Instagram Followers | September 16, 2013 at 06:48 AM
They propose to test for acquired Pitbulls, or they are just trying to get rid of them. You may consider getting online if you want to look through for 4 wheelers, you can find a large array of options available. If a review goes ahead, it may result in a tribunal appeal.
Posted by: open Street org | September 16, 2013 at 06:59 PM
Detective Nichols played by Jeff Goldblum was an interesting and complex character, but what drew me to "Law and Order: CI" and kept me addicted for many seasons was Detective Goren. Usually, Yasmin is a pill well tolerated, but some women may experience some side effects. However consumption of Generic Levitra makes erection possible by activating enzyme c - GMP which relaxes the penis muscles and expands the contracted arteries and normalizes the blood flow. "I can't do anything, I'm missing too much work, where is my sex drive, I am not as creative or quick on my feet. They're the only recognized drug treatments that have been examined exhaustively anyway.
Posted by: viagra pills canada cialis 20mg | September 18, 2013 at 12:58 PM
I feel like I知 continuously searching for fascinating things to read about various subjects, but I have the ability to include your blog amongst what i read every day for the reason that you've got persuasive entries that I enjoy. Hoping there are much more incredible material coming!
Posted by: Torsten | September 27, 2013 at 03:27 AM
Wonderful items from you, man. I've take note your stuff previous to and you are simply too magnificent. I really like what you have bought right here, certainly like what you're saying and the way in which by which you assert it. You're making it entertaining and you continue to take care of to stay it sensible. I cant wait to learn much more from you. That is actually a wonderful web site.
Posted by: 清潔服務公司 | October 21, 2013 at 02:56 AM
Hello there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Eulalia | October 25, 2013 at 09:35 AM
Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, awesome blog!
Posted by: offers sales | November 07, 2013 at 03:07 PM
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
Posted by: novoline jackpot sizzling hot fard | November 07, 2013 at 08:00 PM