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The Inversion Factor
Book

The Inversion Factor

How to Thrive in the IoT Economy (MIT Press)

MIT Press, 2017 more...


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Concrete Examples
  • Hot Topic
  • Insider's Take

Recommendation

Three technology gurus predict the impact of emerging technologies, like the Internet of Things (IoT). The authors warn that the traditional consumer products sector faces imminent disruption. Those who build, market, brand and sell traditional products face oblivion. Winners invert the business model. First, they discover customer needs, such as easy urban transportation or lodging. Only then do they consider how best to fill them. Increasingly, they leverage the IoT’s interconnectedness and data. Disruption will increase dramatically as the IoT expands.

Take-Aways

  • Throughout history, function followed form. Today, designers can make an object of any form do many things.
  • An economy of smart, connected things will alter the business landscape.
  • Winners in this new economy will adopt a “what if” mentality in combination with a “needs-first” mind-set.

About the Authors

Linda Bernardi ran I0T efforts for IBM. Sanjay Sarma leads two tech start-ups and teaches mechanical engineering at MIT. Kenneth Traub co-founded and advised multiple high-technology start-ups.


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