Dilemmas in Connected Spaces
The Dilemmas in Connected Spaces area is dedicated to the web ecosystem and its health. It’s particularly interested in the influence that the Internet of Things will have on the wider network.
Jon Rogers, the space wrangler for the area, explains. “The Internet of Things is the current state of computer technology where everything that we thought was disconnected from technology suddenly can be, and is, connected to technology in a way that brings the tech closer to humans than ever before.”
To this end, one of the things being showcased in this space is the Open Internet of Things Studio. This is a new program by Mozilla designed to explore how we can build a healthy ecosystem for making meaningful and connected things.
“A healthy ecosystem would look very messy and very human,” Jon said. “It would have familiar elements, like designers, coders, makers and developers. It would also include some that are less familiar. For example, I’d love it to include gardeners, historians, political troublemakers and movement creators.”
Jon also points out that if this new application of the network will have an amplifying effect on computing power, it will have both positive and negative implications. Some of the positive implications are around healthcare and environmental issues. However, driverless cars or pacemakers connected to the internet insecurely could lead to big problems.
To learn more about the implications of this technology, and to explore it in a hands-on way, visit the space on the 6th floor. If you’re around at the end of day two and can help take down the exhibits, you may even get a tasty surprise…
