The main point of chapter 5 was that there is such a large variety of data that exists in the world today, and it is most efficient to let the computers do the work of sorting it all out. There is essentially a jungle of information and meta data that exists on computers and in digital format, and they need to be organized properly because it is so vital to this world today.
"The new rules of the information jungle are in effect, transforming the landscape in which we work, buy, learn, vote, and play." pg. 106
"Put a leaf on as many branches as possible" pg. 103
My real world connection to this chapter was emptying the dishwasher, like the author had stated in the beginning of the chapter. I understood how he felt when he stated that all of the plates are similar and belong in a category, and how all of the utensils and silverware are miscellaneous.
Ch 6 - Smart Leaves
Chapter 6 was about identification, and how technology has created significant advancements in the identification of data, products, and the vast field of information that exists today. The chapter discussed the invention of UPCs, then the advancement to RFID micro chips, and then how personal devices can also be used as ways of identification.
"People keep pretending they can make things deeply hierarchical, categorizable, and sequential when they can't. Everything is deeply intertwingled." pg. 125
"Businesses suffer from the effects of essentialism, as well, when they assume they know what their products are for-are you sure your company's "energy bar" is being eaten to help with a workout and not as candy?" pg. 118
My personal experience that relates to this chapter was when I saw a show on RFID tags, and how they are used in airports. This show depicted how these RFID tags are used to track luggage much more quickly and efficiently, without as many of the usual mistakes.
Your summary of Chapter 5 isn't accurate. I don't think Weinberger wants the computers to sort it out, he wants the people to sort it out and the computers to facilitate this. Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're saying? When reading Weinberger, think of the role he gives to user participation. Chapter 6 is a bit more on target. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that categorizing information is vital. Because information is changing the way we view the world and business in general, there is a whole market out there allowing individually to compete globally.People who can manage as you said "data that exists on computers and in digital format" are also vital.
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