Here at NineSigma, the epicenter of techno-geekness, we never tire of sharing with each other the coolest new technology, the craziest proposal, and the hottest fashion trend (well, maybe not that last one). Even the MBAs can't help but get caught up in the excitement (or at least respond by groaning and rolling their eyes at the scientists and engineers). So with the dawn of a new decade (and in celebration of NineSigma's 10th year in operation), it seems appropriate to highlight some of the best innovations of the decade (aside from the launch of the Open Innovation movement, of course). I tried to keep it to my top 5, but couldn't resist adding a 6th. So, in no particular order...
Sensors and digital imaging: While the 1990's saw widespread use of digital cameras, and micro sensors hit prime time in automotive airbag accelerometers, it was in the last decade that digital imaging and micro sensors (or MEMS, my technical specialty from a previous life) became ubiquitous in products and consumer electronic devices. These offered huge leaps in new functionality from digital cameras with motion sensing and fuzzy logic for image stabilization (and then uploading the pictures to Facebook), to accelerometers in iPhones and Wii gaming offering new functionality, to instant digital imaging of x-rays and mammograms, to backup cameras on minivans. These "enabling technologies" will continue to impact more facets of our lives.
Interactive and On-Demand Media: In the last month, I have done all of the following: watched video on an iPod, read the New York Times online (and on an e-book and on my cell phone), watched a blu-ray DVD movie, viewed a video-on-demand, used DVR and Tivo to time-shift programs (pause, rewind to see the replay, etc.), downloaded a show via iTunes onto an iPod and watched through the TV, looked at crazy YouTube videos, watched a show on Hulu, listened to a Podcast in my car... (Does anyone simply watch live TV anymore?). Suddenly PowerPoint animation seems boring.
Social Network Enabled [political campaigning, microlending, fundraising, product development, t-shirt designing, whatever]: Read about how the ThinkGeek Tauntaun Sleeping Bag was developed, and you'll believe anything is possible.
High Tech Materials: Whether it was carbon fiber in bicycles, polymer shock absorbers for next generation football helmets, nanomaterials used for antimicrobial coatings, or self-adhering bandages, new high tech fibers and materials continue to "weave" their way into existing and new products. The coolest example in the last decade? Fabric enhancements to the swimming racing suit to reduce resistance and allow greater speed under water.
Wi-Fi – here, there, and (almost) everywhere... Checking stocks from the living room? Check. Reading the news online at a conference when there's a boring speaker? Check. Video Skype Mom on her birthday from the kitchen? Check. Doing work on my laptop in a coffee shop while my son downloads new games for his iTouch? Check, and check. It’s not everywhere (or free) all the time yet, but even Wi-Fi in the car is just around the corner.
And finally...the curved shower curtain rod. Seriously. I don't remember any innovation so simple that improved the business travel and hotel experience by changing the dynamics of space. And it seemed that these were retrofitted to every US hotel overnight. My taller colleages swear how it has been a god-send to give them more room to shower - for me, eliminating the headache of trying to get clean when a shower curtain is stuck to my body is brilliant enough.
What other innovations do you think I left off? Wikipedia, mapping of the human genome, cloud computing, superconductors, GPS, mass production hybrid cars, "convenience" packaging for food products (like the resealing Oreo package),...? Add your thoughts in the comments section below.