The true utility of technology

Category: Technology

Published: 05/05/2009 06:27 p.m.

"People don't want a quarter-inch drill, they want a quarter-inch hole." Dr. Theodore Levitt, Harvard Business School Professor

I am a big fan of all things tech. I think all of the amazing pieces of gadget porn available today are incredible and I love playing with them. But, their true utility is a total waste to me.

I don't have a need for 99% of the possible tech available, and that saddens me. As an example, I need a phone that makes calls and a music player that plays music. And while I love my iphone, I had those other pieces of tech 10 years ago, and they worked for the most part.

The truth is I don't have near as many "holes" as I have "drills". But, I know all about the drills. Whether it's the newest phone or the next web2.0 hit I am generally on the beat.

But maybe I should be spending more time trying to make things. Once I found out what was tough to make, then I could spend some time finding ways to make it easier instead of the other way around. It doesn't really make a lot of sense doing it the way I do it.

I have a car because I need to go places that are too far to walk to. I have clothes because I need to be dressed differently in certain situations. I have a TV because it is hard to watch The Office without one. And I have a computer so I can blog. But other than that... not too many other needs.

Got any "drills" without any "holes" to make? Why? Ask these two questions when trying to trim your technological life and things should work out better.