 As Shift Sight is primarily concerned with humane, sustainable edtech, the last few posts might have seemed out of place.
They are the preamble for this one. General tech typically becomes edtech due to profiteering, so the previous posts about what is happening outside the classroom is especially relevant. Let's get back to school.
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 Evil never presents itself as evil. There are no corporations standing on street corners twirling their proverbial mustaches.
There are lies and deception. There is whitewashing. And there is technology forced on society without full disclosure. This is a wolf in sheep's clothing. What is a common theme in the tech marketing you will hear? “This technology is helpful!”  Our planet is a very delicate puzzle. There are many interdependent, interlocking pieces. When we remove one of these pieces, the picture becomes incomplete for a bit.
But it does not stay incomplete: like any organic structure, a reorganization occurs to reach a new point that is stable. For example, as the population of a species declines, new predator-prey relationships form in the food chain. The gap closes quickly. Keep reading while we assemble our puzzle for you. Let's start with the corners.  There is a growing movement of individuals who believe that you should own the electronic goods that you purchase. In most cases, you simply get a license to use the device.
With everything from screws that do not come out, to software lockouts / DRM / artificial obsolescence by remote-control, to glued-in batteries, to illegal "warranty void if opened" stickers, it is clear that manufacturers are not on board with you owning or repairing your device. All of these tactics lead to e-waste and more consumption. In the industry, there are best practices for Design for Manufacturing (DfM) and Design for Testability (DfT). Shift Sight is pioneering Design for Repair (DfR). Keep reading to learn more...  Have you stopped to think that most human institutions are not aligned to most human needs? It should not be surprising when we consider that monetary wealth – the most basic measure of what you can do in this instant – is so unevenly distributed.
Is more technology going to bend this arc? Follow the money for an answer.  Due to lengthy website rework compounded by our relocation, I have decided to resume writing the company blog. It was one of our most popular features, and it has been neglected for too long.
While working through our website updates, I kept wanting to write that Jade is a sustainable tool for creating a sustainable future. Tonight, I want to reflect on this sentiment.  Shift Sight HQ has relocated, but we are still working out of boxes. Our primary computer is setup and has resumed rendering models / video 24/7 for the WIP website overhaul. We are still pushing with full momentum: there is not a second to lose.
I wanted to share an iFixit link describing the necessity of durable electronics. The quick facts at the top say it all: recycling is not a long-term solution, as approximately 30% of material is lost in the process. You cannot remove pristine egg yolk from a baked cake. Look forward to regular updates soon!  [I hope that you enjoyed reading about Jade! If you missed the reveal and are only joining us now, please take a look.]
The same story has repeated itself throughout history. A new technology is developed, and we become dependent on it. Society's current tech trajectory demands infinite electronics because what we have “is never fast enough” or “is never big enough.” The result is e-waste. Shift Sight intends to bend the tech trajectory at its source. Our current dependence is not sustainable.  You have been waiting a long time to hear more about Jade. The pieces of the puzzle are falling together, and the concept reveal is on the horizon. Shown above is a rough rendering of the back, subject to change. No peeking!
Patent applications have been filed, so tonight's post contains a few tidbits. The story (and renderings) are still getting the final polish.
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Ty is a Founder of Shift Sight, LLC. Archives
December 2018
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