Pulse Point #01
Fat vs lean ideas, zombie buildings, AI as people, and other stories
Here are a few interesting ideas that caught my attention last week:
When Machines Start to Feel More Human than Software
Looking at generative AI as more human than software could be a game changer. Ethan Mollick in "One Useful Thing" pitches a practical approach that makes AI more digestible for the non-tech crowd. Here's the breakdown:
The new lens: Traditional software typically churns out the same result every time you run it. Not so with generative AI, which varies its output based on factors like the quality and structure of the prompt you give it.
The strengths: Generative AI excels at human-like tasks, such as writing, coding, and conversational interactions. These are the areas where AI really starts to shine.
The weaknesses: On the flip side, generative AI struggles with machine-like tasks - think calculating without a calculator or executing repeatable processes.
In a nutshell: it's time to reimagine our understanding of AI. This human-centric viewpoint could be just the key to unlocking its potential.
The Power of Your Brain's 'Screen Saver' Mode
Ever found yourself zoning out and wondered what your brain was up to? According to Renee Aharon in "The Human Experience", it's not just idling away. Your brain has a 'screen saver' mode, staying active even when you're not.
The concept: Just like your computer's screen saver kicks in when it's idle, your brain also has a 'default mode' that it slips into when you're zoned out.
Behind the scenes: This default mode is tied to the activity of your Default Mode Network. It's a bit like having a team working behind the scenes, even when the main show's not on.
In essence, your brain is a bit of a workaholic, never fully switching off. Next time you find yourself daydreaming, remember: your brain's still hard at work in the background. Who knows, it might even be solving the world's next big problem while you're lost in thought. I suspect that’s when more “eureka!” moments come to us.
Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash
The Battle Between Efficiency and Lean/Fat Ideas
Innovation is a broad territory, and Benjamin Reinhardt in "The Green Dragon" offers a fresh perspective on the landscape. He categorises ideas into 'lean' and 'fat', each with its own distinct footprint:
The categories: Lean ideas are resource-efficient — 1 unit or work can create 1000 units of value. On the other hand, fat ideas gobble up a lot more resources (100 units of work to create 1100 units of value). Don't be fooled though - both types can deliver similar value.
The implications: Resource efficiency doesn't always equate to the value created. Sometimes, it's the fat ideas that lead to significant breakthroughs, despite their resource-hungry nature.
Bottom line, it's about playing the right game with the right ideas. But remember, not all fat ideas are bound to be successful, and not all lean ones are destined to be small. As innovators, we must strike a balance and be ready to bet on both lean and fat ideas. After all, innovation isn't a one-size-fits-all journey.
'Zombie Buildings' Looming in Our Post-Pandemic World
Pandemic-triggered remote and hybrid work hasn't just changed how we work, it's also left a trail of what BCG dubs as "Zombie Buildings" in its wake. Here's the lowdown:
The surge: Remote and hybrid work trends spiked during the pandemic but have also shown staying power in many regions around the world.
The side effect: The rise of under-utilised office spaces, or "Zombie Buildings," is a knock-on effect. Office buildings are sitting idle, echoing the economic slowdown is urban centres during lockdowns.
The cost: If these trends continue, we could see 1.5 billion square feet of office space turning obsolete. The potential revenue loss for building owners? A staggering US$40-60 billion. (U.S. based studies)
The take-home message here is clear. The remote work revolution is not just about home offices and Zoom calls. It's also re-shaping our urban landscapes, leaving us with 'Zombie Buildings' that could be a stark reminder of the pandemic's impact for years to come.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. What was the most fascinating article you read recently?