The document discusses the author's background working with new technologies and designing everyday products that take advantage of emerging technologies like the Internet of Things. The author believes we need new visions and stories for how technology could create a better future, such as using connected physical objects to increase activism. Some examples provided are projects that give people more information about their environment and food sources to empower them with choices. The author sees opportunities to bridge technological gaps and improve lives but acknowledges barriers like short-term thinking and a lack of funding that stand in the way of realizing this vision for a more positive connected future.

1. Better living through
chemistry
jogging
coffee
design
cake
cats
data
connected things
@iotwatch

2. About me
Product & Interaction designer
First UK distributor of the Arduino tinkerlondon
Partner riglondon
Consultant designswarm
Founder of connected lamps Good Night Lamp
Organiser of 4 year old London IOT Meetup

3. I design everyday products that take
advantage of new technologies

4. We’ve run out of ideas

5. We need new stories.
What we want from the internet of things
should reflect what we want for our future.
It’s not about what we can imagine now
but placing bets on a better, more exciting future.
With connectivity & the web as part of our lives.

6. What does success look like?

7. From clicktivism to activism with physical objects.

8. Air quality egg

9. Japan Geiger Maps

10. Oxford Flood Network

11. From large, slow, closed systems
to faster, open, cheaper systems.

13. Bridging the technological gaps.

14. Good Night Lamp

15. Living with climate change.

16. Free idea: street lighting that changes color
based on the level of pollution and during the day
synchs to my travel app.

17. Knowing where your food comes from, really.

18. They offer farmers the ability to share the origin of their
food crops and the number of workers involved with the
general public.

19. Giving people choice and information.

20. Product labelling for the
future now

21. Reduce violence in the world.

23. Improve care & end of life .

25. What stands in the way of this vision for the
future now?

26. • Short term investment strategies.
• Lack of public funds going directly to startups.
• Impatient founders.
• Software stories

27. But mostly ourselves.

28. We have to face the music and dance.

30. Thanks.
Go out and make something.
alex@designswarm.com
@iotwatch