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The next session I am blogging about today is Convergence and Transformation: A Whole New Creative World – looking at how worlds are interconnecting. The speakers are covering subjects such as how digital convergence transforms the creative world of designers, developers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. In addition, they are tackling how trends and practices can be identified in order to prepare for the future in a world of accelerating change. Moderator Catherine Crago is with Semicongroup.
Take note – this blog may be way too long! The panel asks what does digital convergence really mean – even the panelists are trying to define. How do people interact with information and people in new ways, and is it really divergence they suggest. David Pescovitz, co-editor for Boing Boing, wants tools to enable us to create a social convergence and technical divergence. John Tolva, creative director at the Centers for IBM e-Business Innovation, says recombination is possible – “remixability” of the web is the concept. Converging technology – for example VoIP – but expands to “internetization” of traditional media represents the social convergence. The internet is influencing the traditional media – but it is also working the opposite direction and where will this lead. “Ubiquitous computing” and information becoming too fast – how to slow down – Pescovitz says try to take the long view with the onslaught of data and processes. On overload problems, just deal with it says Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards, and tune into what most interests you. Like any new technologies, we will adjust, says Davies. Pescovitz says the end of cyberspace is upon us – the window into something.
Now, with new technology and interaction enabling places our information where we want to find it. Speakers say it is an all-new intelligence, but let’s make it less stressful. Pescovtiz says switching tasks interrupts productivity and fun – so slow down and enjoy the task (sounds good to me – wonder how they do this?). Now we are on to “filters” and recombining information to condense massive amounts of data – using “mashups.” He says companies should provide screwdrivers to let people into their products so they can improve them. Bottom line, says Pescovitz, “And That’s the Way It Is” is history because people can find information without help from traditional media.
To read more about this meeting go to the SXSW blog.
