What comes first, the technology that drives the project or the project that drives the technology?
The answer is “yes”.
In everyday life we use technology to perform tasks. Often times the successful completion of these tasks would not be without the developed technology already out there. This is the case for the large majority of us; we have something to do so we find the appropriate technology to do that something.
Then there are the people who are far more intelligent that I. I know what you are thinking: “that is A LOT of people”. But to be specific, I am talking about the people who want to do something that requires technology that does not exist. These are the people who make the advancements from which we all benefit either directly or indirectly. Members of a relatively small club, these are the people who keep the rest of us moving forward. Bell wanted to talk to someone far away but did not want to go all the way to where he or she was. Answer? Telephone. Edison wanted to read something ina dark, drafty room and not have to deal with a flickering light that might potentially burn everything he owns. Answer? Light bulb. Maybe I am oversimplifying the need/invention relationship here but, at the end of the day, this is the root of the answer to this question.
We build what we need so we can use what we build.
In a rare interview with Steve Jobs and Bill Gates this question is asked and answered, and while Gates answers the question about 4.5 minutes into it the rest of this clip is pretty good.
It is amazing at how intertwined our life has become with technology. At times we don't even realize we are using technology it is so part of our life. I like your answer "Yes" to Does technology drive the project or does the project drive technology. What is it? It is both. We develop new technology as we see the needs, we also develop new projects because we have the technology to do so.
ReplyDeleteGreat video. Thanks for sharing! I too like your answer of YES! I agree!
ReplyDelete