The Mechanics of Innovation
Evolution and revolution are two forms of change, and both imply movement.
Evolution embraces a natural structure and has an emergent quality, while revolution is somewhat impatient and prefers to use a little pressure to make something happen. Evolution is difficult to see and appreciate because you are usually in the middle of it. Revolution is more acute with some natural qualities. The root of the word implies spinning or rotating, which is one of the core motions of nature. Subatomic particles like quarks are described by how they spin. The rock we are sitting on rotates at 1,000 miles per hour.
Evolution and revolution are the yin and yang of innovation. How do they work together? Where are they in opposition? How do they affect long-term adoption? Using the Diffusion of Innovation model, mainstream adoption usually lands somewhere in between Early & Late Adopters, while high-energy, beautifully crazy ideas gain traction in the more disruptive zone of Innovation. Does the method by which innovation is presented affect its adoption? Are we turned off by aggressive approaches to innovation? Do we become impatient when new ideas take longer to come to life?
The arrival of the Metaverse incorporates a bit of revolution and evolution. It will be formed by a series of experiments and feedback loops constantly funneling new information back to creators and participants. Innovation requires vision and a little patience for technology to catch up to that vision. Frederick Law Olmsted understood that the full realization of his vision for Central Park wouldn’t come to life until nearly a century after his death. A revolutionary idea is securing 843 acres in the middle of Manhattan for a park. Evolutionary emergence over time is what makes it special.
The current use cases and executions in the NFT space should not be used to render a determination of their usefulness over time. These early demonstrations and iterations can be compared to reading the digital version of the New York Times on the early Internet. These nascent executions will help define the capabilities and applications of this technology. Only by grasping the true potential of capturing digital ownership and enabling a frictionless economy between physical and virtual domains, can we apply this framework to ground-breaking use cases feeding the evolution within the revolution. What an exciting time to be alive! If you aren’t quite ready to get in the sandbox, at least take in the experiments happening around you. I hope you have some popcorn because this is going to get really interesting.
