ESM102/week5-201701/outline-links.html

Opening slide

Main points today

• we need new solutions, fast
• new solutions can bring unintended consequences
• risk and uncertainty are related to scale
• we can reduce uncertainties by looking at problems from multiple perspectives
• good design is difficult because you have to consider impact, cost and social goals

Loopback and preview

Week 5: Innovation and its risks

We need new solutions

• pace of change is accelerating - more people, more energy
• new problems from the convergence of drivers
• innovation
  • define to include diffusion and implementation
  • diffussion of innovation
  • innovation is a weed (invention is a flower)
• when to innovate and when to copy

Innovation causes its own problems - image

• Ingenuity Gap - (Homer Dixon)
• uncertainty and risks
  • difference
  • uncertainty - broadly
  • sources of uncertainty
• we don't know how people are going to use our product or method

Small scale innovation might reduce risks and uncertainty

• scale effective technology
• water pumping
• PP vs CBA
• From small scale to larger scale - combinatorial innovation
  • use tested and proven small pieces
  • put them together in novel ways
  • pieces have to be designed to be compatible
    • Apple, Lego, etc.
    • like object oriented programming or wiki
  • just has to work

How can we decrease unintended consequences?

• Multiple perspectives should decrease unintended consequences (claim)
• good design such as (see the text revised chapter 16):
  •  Problem identification/value statement
  • Technical feasibility
  • Affordably
  • Maintainence
  • Social acceptance
  • Regulation
  • Ability to collect taxes or revenues

Examples:

1. Solar cooker

• What were the features in the video?
• Was this innovation socially acceptable to the users?
• What were the health benefits?
• What were the expected health hazards or hazards to the environment?
• How could you fix those? How does that effect the cost? Do you need regulations to impose these safety features?

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/6-safety-tips-to-consider-when-using-a-solar-oven

http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/Health_and_safety

http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/Introduction

 

2. Water storage - specifically grey water

• Grey water
• benefits
• possible problems
  • personal health and safety
  • home owner issues
  • other - brainstorm