This is how we worked in 1906:
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 :)
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
Posted by: Curt Wehrley | March 14, 2006 at 13:54
"The tools are better, some I even like a lot" - I noticed you had two coffee spaces - is that for the espresso machines?
Posted by: Ric | March 14, 2006 at 14:05
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
Posted by: sig | March 14, 2006 at 14:38
well what is more important in the office, email or coffee? dont ever expect a workflow if there is no caffeine :-)
Posted by: brendan | March 16, 2006 at 09:07