1 – The Computer for the 21st Century – This reading discusses the possible future of computer technology becoming so interwoven with everyday life that it becomes virtually unnoticed, as it blends into the fabric of life. Weiser describes a future where computers are comparable to loose leaf papers, found everywhere and equally disposable. He even uses the term “scrap computer” comparing to scrap paper. Weiser talks about ” tabs, pads and boards” representing computer sizes which would be found throughout the house (similar to the existing iphone and ipad idea).
Q: But when comparing these technologies to the portable computer, he says (pg85) “the pad that must be carried from place to place is a failure.” Why must this technology not travel with a person? i understand that he wants computers to be so fused with the household that they become one and the same, but a technology that can travel with a person seems a virtue (as the smart phone as proven to be). Maybe Weiser was underestimating how far we would go, in terms of condensing so much power and information into such a small, portable computer?
Q: If Weisers ideas of the home filled with computers on every surface is to come true, how will this effect the role of the architect? Additionally at firms where consultants are brought in for light, bath, kitchen fixtures, there would now be someone coming as the tech consultant giving price options for different pads and tabs to be designed into the space.
2 – Electronics as Post-Optimal Object –
Q: How do we place the electronic object within Material culture? It seems in this reading that Dunne is using the term “material culture” in a anthropocentric way, where the electronic object is an artifact of modern times, and he is struggling how to give it identity. They pose the dilemma but do not fully give an answer, possibly because there is not one found yet?
(pg20) “Beyond a certain, relatively low price (low compared with other times in history) the rich cannot buy a better camera, home computer, tea kettle, television or video recorder than you or I. What they can do, and what sophisticated retailers do, is add unnecessary“stuff” to the object. You can have your camera gold plated”
Q: While Dunne is talking more about production of objects and their relative price, this idea makes me wonder about technology catching up with humans need for technology. Will technology eventually hit an “end”, as there is only so much a machine can do to simplify tasks and create leisure/entertainment?
