The "adjacent possible" is a concept popularised by scientist Stuart Kauffman. Originating in the field of biology as part of the study of evolution, it refers to the set of all possible next steps or opportunities that are one step away from the current state of a system. In the context of technology, the adjacent possible suggests that new ideas, inventions, or breakthroughs are not sudden leaps into the unknown. Instead, they emerge by exploring and combining existing elements and possibilities in the immediate vicinity of the current state. It's like navigating a landscape of potential, where each step taken opens up new paths and opportunities that were previously unavailable or unseen.
| Björneborn, L (2020) Adjacent Possible | Johnson, S (2012) Adjacent possible in Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation |
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| https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367416541_Adjacent_Possible | |
| The concept of the "Adjacent Possible," as presented by Lennart Björneborn, originates from evolutionary biology but has since expanded into various fields such as innovation studies, cultural evolution, and design. At its core, the Adjacent Possible refers to the set of possibilities that are just one step away from the current state of a system, meaning they are within reach based on the current conditions and elements at play. |
In the context of digital artifacts, the Adjacent Possible suggests that innovation and new ideas emerge not by drastic leaps but through the exploration and combination of what is already available or possible within the current environment. This concept encourages iterative development, where each small step or modification opens up new opportunities and paths that were previously inaccessible or unseen.
Key aspects discussed include:
Topologies of Adjacent Possibles: The concept is likened to a dynamic network of interconnected possibilities. As new possibilities are explored and actualized, the space of potential expands, often in unpredictable ways. This reconfiguration of the possible space is continuous, emphasizing that innovation is an ongoing, evolving process.
Serendipity and Adjacent Possibles: Serendipity plays a crucial role in actualizing adjacent possibilities. It involves the unplanned discovery of new possibilities that, while previously unnoticed, become significant when encountered. This is particularly relevant in creative processes where unexpected connections can lead to breakthrough ideas.
Designing for Adjacent Possibles: In designing digital or physical environments, the goal is to create spaces that encourage the exploration of adjacent possibilities. This includes considering how easily new possibilities can be discovered and accessed, making environments rich in potential and conducive to innovation.
In the development of a Digital Artefact, the Adjacent Possible serves as a guiding principle for iterative design and innovation. By focusing on the immediate next steps that build on existing elements, creators can systematically explore and expand their project’s potential, ensuring that each iteration opens new avenues for development and creativity. | https://tepsa.eu/analysis/where-good-ideas-come-from-the-natural-history-of-innovation-by-steven-johnson/ The adjacent possible: in a given situation, only certain changes or innovations are possible. The boundaries of the possible are however extensible and are constantly expanded. If you keep up opening doors to adjacent rooms, you will end up building a palace. The trick is to explore the edges of possibility that surround us. YouTube invented earlier would have taken much longer, and maybe would have been a big flop. Tarnier could invent the incubator in the 1870s because he came upon an incubator for chickens in the zoo! |
The concept of the "adjacent possible," introduced by Stuart Kauffman and explored by various scholars, refers to the potential opportunities and innovations that are one step away from the current state of a system. This idea suggests that new developments emerge not as drastic leaps but as incremental advancements by exploring and combining existing possibilities in the immediate vicinity of the current situation.
In the context of a Digital Artefact (DA), the adjacent possible can be understood as the range of potential improvements, iterations, and innovations that can be pursued based on the existing state of the DA. It involves identifying the next logical steps or adjacent opportunities that can enhance the project. For instance, if the current state of a DA involves a basic social media strategy, the adjacent possible might include integrating more advanced analytics tools, exploring new content formats, or experimenting with emerging social media trends that are closely related to what is already being done.
By focusing on the adjacent possible, the development of a DA becomes a process of continuous exploration and refinement. Each new step taken in this exploration opens up additional possibilities that were not previously accessible, allowing the project to evolve organically while staying closely aligned with its current state and capabilities. This approach ensures that the DA remains innovative and adaptable, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible within its framework while avoiding drastic, potentially unsustainable changes.
In summary, the adjacent possible in a Digital Artefact context is about leveraging existing elements and opportunities to explore the next immediate steps for improvement and innovation. This concept encourages a strategic and iterative approach to project development, where each step taken opens up new pathways for further exploration and enhancement.
Exaptation in technology studies refers to repurposing existing technologies for functions beyond their original intent. Similar to its application in biology, exaptation highlights how innovations evolve beyond their initial design, leading to unexpected uses and transformative changes. As William Gibson writes, "The street finds its own uses for things". Innovations often evolve through unexpected paths, as users creatively adapt technologies to meet their unique needs. The phenomenon of exaptation exemplifies how serendipity and unintended consequences can lead to groundbreaking advancements, defying conventional projections.