The Beginnings of Life... 2.0

This article, out of futurist think tank Techonomy, is one of the best that I've read in putting into plain language the power of the innovation that this future I keep writing about represents.  

When I talked last month, for example, about real-time app enabled and CRM driven in-store experience, it is this methodology (amongst several) which enables that vision.  My example is a microcosm of what this 50,000ft view represents, but it's important for all of us to realize that this is the TYPE of vision that is manifesting, which goes far beyond any system, company, or industry.

To quote from the article, the process breaks down as follows;

• Intelligent Devices, Systems and Decision-making

Increased intelligence in devices and systems is leading to distributed analysis and decision-making closer to the machine. Machines are brilliantly handling issues while also escalating as appropriate.

• Machine-based Real-time Data Analysis

Real-time analysis of events and messages can be coupled and correlated with existing knowledge through advanced software. This analysis is often done without human intervention.

• Simple Presentation of Complex Data as Actionable Knowledge

To handle quick right-brained (creative) thinking, complex data needs to be summarized into actionable knowledge and presented using an innovative user experience. Access to the detailed data for left-brained (analytical) thinking needs to be easily available.

• Closed-looped Data Sharing with the Right People and Machines

The right people and machines need to collaborate in a closed-loop manner to achieve greater productivity. Only through the synthesis of different data from normally isolated sources can truly breakthrough insights be uncovered and automated.

• Accelerated Learning System through Network Effect

When the top four are accomplished correctly, we can create a distributed accelerated learning system using the network effect. The insights from this data can lead to action and make the entire system intelligent, driving a continuous process of knowledge accumulation and insight implementation. As more machines are connected within a system, the continuously expanding, self-learning system grows more intelligent over time.

When one reads this, it's not readily apparent how exactly this concept (which on the surface may appear to be purely industrial in nature) extends to areas such as retail, eCommerce, mCommerce and the like.  The fact is however that what is discussed is big data, information gathering, artificially intelligent interpolation, learning and exploitation of the result.  

Because this isn't a technology trend, and is rather an evolutionary trend that encompasses us all, the same concept is evolving in the realm of retail, from what is becoming a social permeation of human sensors that we call smart phones, tables, OnStar, Google glasses, smart clothing, and all the rest.  Ultimately, when you substitute that data for the data of industry that this article discusses, you can readily see that this same informational and developmental cycle applies to human interaction as well.  

What an exciting time to be alive, and to be enabling and empowering this change, as we observe the evolution of the human experience to Life 2.0! Not a life run by machines, or one in which we abandon individuality, but rather a life in which, being imbued with the knowledge that can now be harnessed, we are finally enabled  to exploit the best facets of our nature, our creativity, resilience, clarity, focus and optimism, in order to achieve the ultimate human goal; To forge our loftiest dreams into reality.

Our goal at Digitech is to provide the appropriate architecture and technological direction to enable our clients to harness this evolution. Come along and be inspired!