Humans + Bits + Blocks

How the technology that powers Bitcoin might create new experiences that go far beyond currency

As (geeky) human centered designers, it makes our hearts race when we encounter new technology. But we immediately start thinking: how will my life be different because of this? Edge technologies are hard to predict. So, we find it’s best to just let our imaginations run wild in order to help understand what might be possible.

Bitcoin is a digital currency, interesting in its own right. But, the block chain technology on which Bitcoin runs points to a very interesting future that’s about much more than currency. It has the potential to disrupt countless industries and create new experiences. Although Bitcoin was the original impetus for a block chain, advances in the technology continue to emerge. From here on out, we’re using the term “block chain” to describe this technology applied to many other spaces than currency.

Over the the next several weeks, we’re going to explore different industries and share how these nascent technologies could create better consumer (and creator) experiences. As designers, our reflex is to create the future we want — and not just let it happen to us — by making concepts tangible as early as possible. We can then iterate, get real feedback, and spark the belief and action needed to make great futures come true.

Here are 5 areas that we think will be impacted by block chains.