Nice try Jose, but i disagree

You are using logic. As I have to explain all the time, logic is an
artificial way of reasoning. It was invented.  What you say makes good
sense  But is it true?

I have not yet seen any example of your second case. Yes it could
happen. I argue that it never does. And, moreover I argue that it
can't, because the needs that some novel technology or device will
fulfill do not exist before the technology.

Notice, i did not say they were not discovered: I said they did not
even exist.  Indoor plumbing was simply not a need 10,000 years ago.
Today it is a necessity.

So, if you disagree with me, do not use logic: cite a concrete example.

Don Norman




2009/12/14 jose luis casamayor <[log in to unmask]>:
> Hi Cameron and Don,
>
>
>
> I think you both are right; A novel breakthough can begin with technology first, or with people needs first, both are possible.
>
>
>
> For instance, researchers working in a project (studying materials, technology) can find out (by chance) a different application to the one they were aiming at. On the other hand, researchers working in a project (studying people's behaviour) can find out a human need not solved to date.
>
>
>
> In the first case, although the researcher does not carry out a human-needs/wishes previous study, the unexpected outcome can led to novel products, services, etc. In the second case, the researcher does carry out a study about people's needs/wishes before, which led to create a set of spec. to be fulfilled by the development of a clearly defined beforehand technology, material, etc.
>
>
>
> Of course, the first one might not be succesfully commercial, precisely because there was no study about people's needs/wishes. But it is also true that the development of new novel technologies that are not supported by studies about people can create even more novel breakthoughs precisely because they have not been based in any established study of what people need or wish, the need is created after the technology, product, etc is slowly absorved by society with 'some help'.
>
>
>
> I hope this helps,
>
>
>
> Jose
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
>