Defining Community, Design, and Identity, through Disruptive Technologies

Group members: Brandon, Liz, Mike, and Donna

First we discussed the definition of “Disruptive Technology.” Is it about social upheaval and disrupting the status quo, or is it about interfering or interrupting order?

Community in Disruptive Technology
A community is a unified body of individuals, and when using disruptive technologies they are not bound by physical location or even time (Someone can view a blog on January 31, 2008, and read and respond to a post written at any point in the past. Someone can then read and respond to that post at any point in the future). The unifying bond can be location, identity, interest, or some other commonality, such as a purpose or goal, and should have some kind of interaction with other community members. The Rheingold piece

Design
Design can apply to many elements. Design is linked to purpose. Design is more accessible, and makes it easier to create a solution to a problem. The tools are available so that everyone can be a designer. Design is decentralized, and design is an equalizer.

Identity through Disruptive Technology
Personal identity through disruptive technology is a contextualized of yourself, crafted by you. Multiple, flexible identities are possible, which may differ from ‘real’ life.