process flow

This is how we worked in 1906:

This is how we work in 2006:

The difference? The tools are better, some I even like a lot! But where is the flow? An e-mail notification? A reminder alarm?

To attain a flow you need a riverbed for the flow of information - information representing real life objects: Parts welded together, products moving, invoices created, health records updated, x-rays taken, pills dispersed...

The riverbed needs to deliver workorders, pertinent information and the tools at the same time in the same interface and to the right person - then when finished it has to deliver all needed to the next person... and so forth.

A bit like this:

One single flow - but now beyond the pure production line; with user induced dynamics, loops and branches befitting a more human and creative environment.

That's why we tinker with the thingamy :)

Comments

[Curt Wehrley]

I like the riverbed analogy! Also like the graphics you used to make your point.

Kevin Kelly just discovered a new Lego-like toy which may represent an even better analogy for Thingamy than Legos themselves...
Cool Tool: Cuboro
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/001164.php

[Ric]

"The tools are better, some I even like a lot" - I noticed you had two coffee spaces - is that for the espresso machines?

[sig]

Heh, that Cuboro thing is cool! Too bad they're not as well known as Lego because they do capture that part perfectly.

Ah, two coffee spaces? Did not even notice when I made it... must be my unconcious at work :D

[brendan]

well what is more important in the office, email or coffee? dont ever expect a workflow if there is no caffeine :-)