I definitely agree with the “Take Action” points outlined above (especially for sensitive data like finances and genetic code), but I think the most important thing for increased consumer usage is creating what you refer to as “ambient services.” Recommendation engines will evolve, but are made that much better when you capture an overabundance of raw data and interaction to dispense sound advice.
Hardware and software that track and analyze data this way are fascinating. I became a huge fan of the iPod/Nike+ system once it successfully tracked my running habits at a higher level than I could perceive with my own analog system.
As more and more data gets pumped into web apps and social networks, engines and bots will become better at analyzing this information and providing feedback to users. The semantic web (as outlined by director of the W3C, Tim Berners-Lee) will be what allows for these “recommendations, options, alerts, and connections.”
Great issue!
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:) oynatarak.com
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Enric
October 7, 2009
Out of the realm of technology, here is an example of how giving away a bit of information every day led to better customer service:
Go to any local business in your neighborhood often enough to establish a relationship with the shopkeeper and you will see how suddenly you will start getting better customer service: recommendations on similar products, free samplings, instructions, etc..
This face-to-face interaction requires a similar type of personal investment than all the tech-centered examples presented here.
The question here is, how can you make people realize that the personal benefit (functional and social) of frequenting local businesses well exceeds the cost of making an effort to establish a relationship with them?
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