Magic as metaphor in Internet of Things.

Magic as Metaphor.

1. Magic as Metaphor

2. Why Do Some Technologies Succeed and Others Fail?

3. Manufactured Normalcy Field Venkatesh Rao produced the idea of the "manufactured normalcy field" to explain how new technology becomes part of our everyday lives. The basic idea is that we see the world around us as normal and unchanging, even though it changes all the time. Big changes often happen gradually, so we don’t notice them as much. For a new technology to be accepted by most people, it must feel like it belongs in this "normal" world we’re used to. If a new technology seems too strange or different, people might not want to use it. But if it feels like a natural part of life, even if it’s a big step forward, people are more likely to accept it. So, the key to getting people to adopt new technology is to make it feel familiar and not too far outside what they already know and are comfortable with.

4. Example: Self-Driving Cars Familiar Experience : Self-driving cars are designed to look and feel like the cars we already know. They have the same shape, wheels, and even a steering wheel (even if you don't need to use it). This makes them feel more "normal" and easier for people to accept. Gradual Introduction : Self-driving technology didn't just appear overnight. First, we had cars with cruise control, then parking assist, and later, features like lane-keeping and automatic braking. These small steps helped people get used to the idea of cars doing more and more on their own. By the time fully self-driving cars became available, many people were already comfortable with the idea of a car that can drive itself. Blending with Everyday Life : They’re being tested in real-world settings, driving on the same roads we use, and following the same traffic rules. This makes them feel like just another part of the existing world, rather than something totally new and unfamiliar. So, by making self-driving cars feel like a natural extension of the cars we already know, they fit into our "manufactured normalcy field." This helps people feel more comfortable with technology and makes them more likely to adopt it.

5. Enchanted Objects as a Metaphor Using enchanted objects from magic and fairy tales is a helpful way to explain the potential of IoT to people. Just like in stories where ordinary things have magical powers, IoT devices can do things that seem magical at first glance but are based on advanced technology. Example: WhereDial and Harry Potter's Clock In the Harry Potter series, the Weasley family has a clock that shows the location of each family member instead of the time. WhereDial is a real-life gadget inspired by this clock. It’s an IoT device that shows the location of a loved one by moving a physical dial on a clock-like device. Instead of magic, it uses technology to track someone’s location (with their permission) and updates the dial accordingly.

6. The Magic Metaphor Familiarity : People understand and are fascinated by the idea of enchanted objects from stories, so comparing IoT devices to these objects makes the technology more relatable and easier to grasp. Simplifying the Complex : IoT can be complex and hard to explain but comparing it to something magical helps to simplify the concept. It turns a high-tech gadget into something that feels familiar and almost whimsical, making the idea less intimidating. The lens of magic helps us focus on the end benefit. Illustrating Potential : The metaphor shows the possibilities of IoT. Just like magical objects can do incredible things in stories, IoT devices can add surprising, useful capabilities to everyday items, transforming how we live and interact with the world. By framing IoT as "enchanted" objects, we can help people see the possibilities and understand how these technologies can bring a touch of "magic" into their daily lives.

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