November 2001: The first iPod launches and detonates the cosy 4-way music industry love-in forever.
October 2011: iPod’s original designer Dani Fadell launches a thermostat.
Bit of a step back? Sure, if you think shoving another n billion iPod like devices into peoples palms is a divine calling that must be quenched.
That Dani Fadell has come up with a ‘thing’ that takes Apple’s design and function aesthetic and crammed it into a seemingly undisruptable everyday household object is a screaming sign of our times. In many spheres, against the odds (that we have built up against ourselves), we are slowly dragging ourselves away from the pyre of obsolescent, credit fuelled, asset backed stuff that has brought advanced economies and societies to their knees, and we are limping towards a fitter future.
What is doubly interesting is the attention/press it has garnered. Appetite for ‘things’ with a bit more bite is on the rise. Hacking, personalising your life is becoming more commonplace. In fact, if you wanted to, you could probably make a D-I-Y version of this thermostat with some sensors, a Pachube-like data pipe (i think that is the right vernacular, please don’t crucify me if it isn’t) and minimal programming skills. But critically, it is the addition of a little Apple gold dust transforms this into a crossover hit.
A path from the smouldering wreckage
So perhaps these cues point us towards a path away from the smoldering wreckage. Despite what the vested interests may tell you, in today’s world, stuff from the edge, done right, for the right intentions (ie not to heap more misery on us) can truly thrive.
Stuff from the edge, done right, for the right intentions (ie not to heap more misery on us) can truly thrive.
Sadly for the big dogs this is not a painless process. Look at Philips desperately trying to sell its TV division, cutting thousands of jobs to make it ‘more lean, agile and entrepreneurial’. At the same time it is all guns blazing in transforming itself into a company focused on delivering wellbeing and improving people lives. And while the ‘entrepreneur’ drive is somewhat chilling, to their great credit, they twigged that flatscreens probably can’t deliver the type of wellbeing they want to be all about.
And no, ‘fatscreens’ wont do it either.
So while the giants across many industries hurtle headlong at maximum 20th century velocity into the pile-up, the rest of us are a bit screwed right? Well, maybe not. Thermostat guy just did something smart. Sure, it took guile, determination, expertise and hard work but what doesn’t? For many reasons, the lumbering giants ceased to be wealth creators a long time ago. Their one-track obsessions at pushing pointless innovation on us is a legacy we can break free from. What’s more, as the big dogs search for inspiration, their hopes lie in opening their doors (and wallets )to the many radical innovators out there and respectfully looking on as they show them how to flourish.
One key lesson. Thermostat guy made an impression because of the traction his release garnered. For the radical innovators out there, it is about taking your fantastic ‘thing’, sprinkling in some gold dust and nailing the narrative, so that heads are turned, synapses are nourished and momentum builds.
A mini plug. This thurs @ 6pm October 27th I’m running a little session with Ed Gillespie (@frucool) at the Hub Westminster Changemaker Fayre titled: Design a high street as if the world mattered. Do come on down will be fun and we could use you help! The fayre look has loads of stuff going on take a look or check out #changefest on twitter