Here are the open tabs on my browser right now:
Networks and Pickup Basketball, by Eugene Eric Kim. I’m always looking for images and metaphors to help people understand complex ideas — this is a powerful (and fun) one. Kim explores the infrastructure and protocols of decentralized, open systems that allow for creativity while discouraging chaos. It led me to re-read…
The User Innovation Revolution, a conversation with Eric von Hippel. He points out that smart organizations give people both permission and a platform to build on their products and exchange ideas. One example that resonates: LEGO. Also: Skateboarding. I love thinking about how people, when given access to tools and a platform, are able to hack, invent, and share their own assistive device ideas, such as…
Jordan Reeves, co-founder of Born Just Right and Marvel’s newest hero (yes, really). I met Jordan and her mom, Jen Lee Reeves, while building the HHS Invent Health initiative. They came to DC for our “Making Health” collaboration with the MedStar Institute for Innovation (where Jordan shot glitter out of her prosthetic arm, to everyone’s delight).
Switching gears from Marvel superheroes to one of my personal heroes…
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, has launched a personal site that is worth your time to explore. I love how she channels her powerful voice to inspire change, spark joy, and help people better understand science. My current favorite post focuses on lessons learned while working as Chief of Digital Innovation at Seattle Children’s Hospital. It’s a must-read for anyone trying to sell digital tools to a hospital or a similar tight-margin, change-resistant system.
Image: Detail of the stage designed in 2014 by Vision District for Stanford Medicine X, a place of continual inspiration to me.
Thanks for the great post!
Do you know of other examples of decentralized systems? Or of theoretical arguments on behalf of such systems? I’ve been reading a lot about it but am always interested in reading more/hearing people’s suggestions.
Tweeted your great question — hopefully people will join us here in the comments with ideas and links! Apologies if I don’t approve new comments quickly — will get to them ASAP when I come up for air.
Thanks!
Hi Shlomo! I posted this on Twitter, but figured I’d expand on my response here:
I get a bit uncomfortable when I hear terms like “decentralized systems” and “theoretical arguments.” I think it overcomplicates what is essentially human. This is all about people and relationships. I think if we started there, we’d all come up with amazing stories about how are web of relationships ripple and flex in mysterious and wonderful ways.
That said, one of my favorite examples of the amazing power of networks is the so-called Barrio Effect. It turns out that Latino communities in the United States generally have much better health outcomes than their non-Latino counterparts. This includes both physical and mental health. The hypothesis is that these communities have tighter social relationships as a result of both cultural and structural factors. Understanding things like this might impact where we invest when trying to replicate that kind of health success.
I’m so flattered that I made your reading list this weekend, Susannah! I loved the reminder about von Hippel’s research, and I especially loved learning about Jordan Reeves. Inspiring! Looking forward to delving into Wendy’s work as well.