Recently, I had the opportunity to see David Rose, lecturer and research at the MIT Media Lab and author of Enchanted Objects, speak at the Future M conference in Boston. David was there to talk about the Internet of Things (IoT) and how we interact with different objects around us.
David started off by sharing what he calls the Ladder of Enchantment, which provides the outline for how products going from their normal state to becoming connected experiences. He lays it out like so:
- Products:
- Connected
- Services:
- Personalized
- Socialized
- Experience
- Gamified
- Storified
The “Experience” is easily the most important part as it is where we start to see the full potential of IoT being realized. This is where objects are not just connected and interactive, but draw experiences from us and allow us to do things that we couldn’t have done before.
Before diving into all of the different connected device projects he’s been working on at the MIT Media Lab, including a Google Earth coffee table, David showed us a video the New York Times produced on his work and how he envisions the future of how smart products are able to help simplify our lives.
David talked about how simple pieces of technology have the potential to change the way we interact with almost everything. When we think about IoT, complex products usually come to mind, like watches that read our heart rate and track our steps or smart thermostats that track our personal preferences. But in reality IoT doesn’t need to be that complicated.
For example, a camera can change everything. When embedded in smart objects, cameras give us new capabilities to detect colors and actions that aren’t always picked up by other sensors. For example, a camera in an oven can detect the color of the cookies you’re baking, ensuring that they come out perfectly every time. Even adding a camera to a tool as simple as a paintbrush makes it possible to draw in real world as on a digital canvas.
David Rose will be speaking at this year’s 3DEXPERIENCE Forum, being held on November 16 in Boston and on November 19 in San Francisco to share more of his perspective ”Enchanted Objects” and how we as designers and product developers should be developing the next generation of connected devices. David will talk about creating the Internet of Everything and how, if built correctly, we can turn virtually every household item into a connected device.
So with that, I’ll leave you with one question – what device/appliance in your home do you think would make the most helpful connected object?
Visit David Rose’s blog and learn more about his book at http://enchantedobjects.com.
