Rethinking Work Beyond the Factory

Contraption Company Podcast

Presentation about what software developers teach us about the future of collaboration

Originally given at Almost Perfect in Tokyo on 3 Feb 2024.

Links:

• Written version of talk
• PDF of accompanying slides
• Contraption Company
• Get future content via email
• Booklet
• FRCTNL

The focus of the talk is on the significant shifts that modern-day work practices are undergoing. It highlights emerging trends in software engineering that indicate the future of knowledge work: smaller and remote teams, less structured workweeks, and written asynchronous collaboration. Philip also addresses new issues arising from these changes such as loneliness, isolation, and disengagement with low-quality leisure activities. Additionally, the talk examines the efficient use of open-source software tools like GitHub and Bitcoin, and companies like Airbnb that successfully implement structured centralized decision-making.

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Residence in Tokyo

00:34 Exploring the Concept of Gallery Presentation

00:49 The Influence of Craftspeople

01:27 The Evolution of Work and Technology

02:11 The Shift to Information Age and the New Scarcity

02:40 The Impact of Industrialization on Work

03:06 The Role of Technology in Changing the Nature of Work

03:22 The Struggles of Adapting to the Information Age

04:12 The Restoration of Craft and Autonomy in Software Development

04:30 About Philip

06:43 Exploring the Trends in Software Development

06:56 The Rise of Smaller Remote Companies

08:33 The Impact of Remote Work on Economies and Governments

09:47 The Efficiency and Impact of Small Teams in Software Development

13:56 The Emergence of Fractional Work

17:46 The Shift to Written Asynchronous Collaboration

19:24 The Role of Open Source Tools in Collaboration

21:53 The Future of Work and Communication

24:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts