Rejecting the Pace

Who killed the Electric Car?

We have come to think of progress or productivity in terms of the speed of innovation or the pace of production as a measure of efficiency.

It is as if the methods we use to keep pace, with competition, with each other, with expectations set by others, are more important than the innovations, the products or services we supply.

This is demonstrated by the favor we show to those who are able to keep the pace or exceed todays efficiency standards.

We can also see evidence of this attitude in how we treat the products of innovation and those who provide us with services.

The disposable nature of products today demonstrates the lack of concern or respect for the products themselves. Their worth is measured in where they fit in the pecking order of innovation. Once they have been demoted by a new innovation, they are shunned. We apologize for continuing to make use of outdated technology.

Sure, there are those who embrace outdated technology. As hobbyists, historians, museum curators, and eccentrics. But they are considered curiosities, tolerated for their eccentricity and entertainment value, not as serious contributors. For they have been left behind by more efficient methods of production.

I am beginning to wonder if the pace has become counter productive. The quality of products and services have declined sharply. Expectations have been both raised and lowered. Raised in terms of efficiency and superior design (aesthetics), but lowered in terms of durability and life expectancy.

Are we given time to appreciate an innovation before a new one comes along to replace it?

Do we fully understand the nature of it's contribution to society or an industry before we discard it for something new?

Is planned obsolescence a positive or negative trend? Have we fully examined why we need to replace what we have with the next generation product? Was the previous version flawed? Or did it perform as intended, but fell apart due to lack of durability.

When it comes to services, we have come to expect less, pay more and show disdain toward the people providing those services. And yet, it is expectations of efficiency, not in terms of service provided, but number of people served, and cost of providing services, that rule our thinking.

Those who provide services are no longer rewarded for the quality of service, but for the number of customers served. Value placed on Pace over Quality of service.

The value shift that is needed is to turn away from measures of pace and efficiency and look toward quality of product and services. Reward behaviors that lead to quality products that are built to last, and services that deliver effective results for customers.

This is the only way we can reduce the waste we produce today. It is the only way we can come to respect those who provide us with services.

And by the way, if we produce quality products that last, a new service industry can be developed to maintain those products. Instead of discarding them, they could be restored and re-used.

We don't have to buy into planned obsolescence. Keeping pace with advances in technology comes at a price. There is merit to using technology and innovation to develop tools and services that can perform the job they were designed to do, for centuries, rather than for a couple of years or months.

All it takes is for someone to try it. It could change the way competition is measured, the pace of production and consumption, and the service industries that support us.