Week 11

Our latest lesson looked towards the future and the exciting technologies that may be within our reach in the near future. Yet, Professor Shahi also made note of the volatility and unpredictability of technology and trends of the future. Perhaps we may not even be using Facebook anymore in the future, perhaps being replaced by its competitors such as Google Plus. Social media aside, regarding technological sectors like energy, healthcare, the environment, etc., such predictions lead to difficult decisions that need to be made such as decisions to invest in certain technologies or sectors. I felt that this was one of the issues I can keep going forward in my mind.

During the comprehensive video summary of the mega-trends of the next 50 years, Rejean Bourgault made mention of the children of today playing with virtual games and instant messaging. As I have 2 younger siblings, with their own personal smartphones and tablets, I see that phenomenon happening right at home. Therefore, I wished we had more time to go into the social and psychological effects from technological exposure at such a young age, and therefore, what it means for the generations in the future.

Sahana gave an interesting presentation on Chris Anderson's "Grand Unified Theory of Technology" pointing out the stages of: Critical Price, Critical Mass, Displacement and Commoditzation that technologies usually go through. I found this useful as I could use this framework to apply to almost any technology that is in various stages in the market today. I find it exciting also that more advanced technology would eventually become commoditized in the future, in the same way that mobile phones are available to far more people today than many years ago.

Consumer technology aside, I felt that one of the most important key takeaway messages, which Ling Zhen mentioned through his presentation was about climate change and that future technological innovations should urgently be towards solving this problem in the interest of the human race.

I would rate the session an overall 8 and I am looking forward to the group presentations in the next two weeks.