Now, let’s give a bit focus to what already has a lot of focus: innovation at present, innovation that we are caught up in. In this light, nothing is as relevant as technological innovation which has practically changed how we live and how we like living these days. I know that I, for one, have become a consumer satiable only by the next best thing when it comes to technological trends.
But let’s admit it: at some point, we have begged our parents, saved up our allowances and/or held inklings of envy for anybody who has the latest gadget because we want, well, the latest gadgets. Growing up in an age when technology is tool, trend and temptation all at the same time, it is easy to fall into the noose of “newer is better.” For instance, how many of you use beepers for communication? How many of you bring CD players and collections of CDs on a long trip? How many of you want your graduation picture taken with the old kind of camera that wouldn’t let you see the picture until it is developed? Dare I say case and point? Innovations in technology make life easier, more fun or both and that’s why we love our cellphones, iPods and DSLRs more than their outdated ancestors. More often than not in the technological sense, newer really is better.
The phrase though isn’t something to be taken as a “just because (period).” The innovation behind the newer and better things are fruits of thought, creativity, hard work and yes, though not quite as fluffy, consumer demand which is really an achievement of the other three things listed. I mean, didn’t people turn to the cellphone because someone picked up on the insight that instead of sending a beep, you can make a call for better communication? Didn’t people hail the turning of audio from CDs to mp3s a revolution because the programs and gadgets to make it happen were so well thought of and executed that nobody wants to return to the bulkier, less flexible CD player? Didn’t [vain] people rejoice that they didn’t have to fear having an ugly photo printed anymore thanks to camera tinkerers who ingeniously put in an LCD screen on the device? These things are made possible for our convenience, enjoyment or whatever it is that floats our boats by the 'magic' of the new era, technology. But if you ask me, it is in this 'magical' sense that the real buzz about technological innovation happens. More than that technology upgrades things or aspects of things that could have been made better, it strikes us to exclaim in joy “that’s amazing!” Such a phrase contains a real emotion – wonder, excitement, awe, among others – more than an intuitive or objective statement that we find ourselves pulled in happily.
With that, watch out as the Big Bang Blog pays tribute to your favorite technological innovators! Can you think of anyone you want to see featured? Drop us a line and you may just find him/her up on the BBB!
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