Monday, April 28, 2014

Innovation

     In July of 2013 Toby Shapshak gave a presentation on innovation at a TED talk event.  This presentation can be viewed here.  Toby discussed the various innovations to come from Africa and how being an area with limited resources spawns genuine innovation.  One of the images Toby used during his presentation was a map of the world as viewed from space.  He used this image to show the electrical output across the globe and the lack there of from Africa.  Toby argued that the technological deficiencies have helped to spawn innovation.  Toby also gave several examples of the many innovations and uses of a standard feature phone to help illustrate his point.


      Toby's presentation was supported by a few visuals ranging from pictures to a standard phone used to illustrate his points.  The visuals used help reinforce the points he was making as he progressed through his presentation.  He kept a steady pace through out his presentation and managed to mix in a few pieces of humor to engage and keep the audience interested.  By combining a select few visuals and bits of humor Toby progressed a clear path through his presentation that was both engaging and thought provoking.  Hearing some examples of innovations and uses of a simple feature phone proved to be motivational for me.