A neat term for an important but under-mentioned concept.
We are all unique individuals and every situation too – at work, at home, and in the community – is unlike any other; as unique as every snowflake. Yet despite this fundamental truth which has arguably been true for all time, the world seems to be designed for the opposite: sameness.
image by CaptPiper
Diversity is all around us. Everyone has different abilities, preferences, skills, and knowledge, just as everyone has different access to technology and devices. Yet most systems are built on limiting assumptions about users and/or devices. Software designers expect people who use the software will be happy to adapt to the the way the software works. Device manufacturers try to “lock in” customers and prevent them using other devices.
The challenge in a world where a vision of convergence is near enough to reach out and touch, is to celebrate and empower this diversity, allowing every person to interact with each system in whichever way which suits. Even more, though, the real effectiveness comes as this interaction changes over time and mood, and situation.
Breakthrough software solutions, the ones which set the baseline for the future, will be the ones which adapt so well to user preference, history, and context that each interaction is as different as a snowflake.
Read more at The Snowflake Effect: The Future of Mashups and Learning (Wayne Hodgins) 2009 and the associated Word document about the snowflake effect in learning.
For years Frank Carver has been paying attention to the strange world of convergent technology. During that time he has discussed and researched broad subject areas, come to some surprising conclusions, produced and distributed digital media, scattered ideas and opinions like sparks from a firework, and above all consulted for businesses both large and small to help develop and deploy successful systems, services, and products in this highly complex arena.
