About open source.

I have submitted a design for this design column, let see if I could get some feedback.

Re: 1HDC 09.09 - The Future of Digital Reading - Submissions

Utopia...

Utopia is, I think different from person to person. In general, I guess I could say everybody who lives in Utopia should be happy. So what is Utopia for me? It should be a flexible structure so that could expand and adapt. I don't believe there is one solution that could make everybody happy, so this Utopia has the ability to shift and change accordingly to people's different culture, custom and tendencies. The trick is to make everybody happy, not just a few. I am sure if you are super rich, your world probably looks pretty ideal. You have the means to surround yourself with things and people that makes you happy. But to make close to 7 billion people(Assuming earth could be Utopia), people who have different religion, culture, language, concerns and aspirations to get along and everybody is satisfied. It would take a design that would or could take consideration to "all" the factors and create an environment that would adapt to everybody's need and concern. On top of that, to use to limited resource in a sustainable fashion? I don't know...

OK, Let's just look at Cambridge. I think I would be happier if I see more bicycles. Like Amsterdam, there would be many bikes and it would be safe for me to bike around to where ever I want. I don't want cars cutting me off, I don't want car doors opening on me. I want the bike path to be integrated with city more. This is not a question of technology, but of design.

Sometimes when I am stuck in a bumper to bumper situation in Harvard Square and l look at a pedestrian, I would have this envious moment, "Walking is so nice..." At that moment, although I have a more technological advance device (my banged up Honda Civic) vs the pedestrian (the shoes, I guess), I am more trapped than he is. I guess what I am saying is technological advancement in one product, without the greater design to support it would still fall short.