In a meeting of minds (RSA Journal Summer issue 2009) Steven Johnson exploring link between openness of association and exchange of ideas in 18th century and explosion of innovation and scientific discovery. Argues that industrial age (characterised by IP and protection of ideas) is a historical anomaly. Implies idea of withholding information for personal gain was unimaginable. Implies that vitality – in part – depends on openness of exchange and proliferation of connectedness.
He expands on these ideas on TED discussing ‘liquid networks’ which have throughout history acted as the nutrient of new ideas. His RSAnimate on the topic describes
- the ‘hunch state’ in which you have a part idea, an intuition
- the need for collision, where my hunch meets your hunch
- how there has been such an increase in forms of connectivity; and
- how ‘chance favours the connected mind’.
Steve Johnson explores the design of systems that allow hunches to come together – mentioning coffee houses, and artistic salons as examples. These are places where you meet your intimates; where you meet your adversaries; where you meet strangers. Our understanding of intimate innovation is the soft technology of these places.
Slingshot