As far back as I can recall, I've always had a deep fascination with technology and an insatiable curiosity for how things work.
Whether it was tearing apart desktop machines in the mid-90s, co-founding a computer networking business in high school, or creating a workshop to teach my schoolteachers how to use PowerPoint, which was a relatively new software at the time, I've always tried to stay close to technology and observe its trends.
Software Eras
Throughout my lifetime, there have been several distinct eras of software, each with their own unique characteristics and advancements. These include the Spreadsheet & Word Processing Era of the 1980s, the Communication Era of the 1990s to early 2000s, the Collaboration Era spanning from the early to late 2000s, and the current Facilitation & Virtual Collaboration Era, which has been ongoing since the 2010s.
Augmentation Era driven by Collaborative Intelligence
Currently, we are witnessing the emergence of a new software era that is driven by advancements in AI technology and a growing trend towards community-driven models.
In addition to augmenting skills/professions, many companies are now seeking to offer more than just a product or solution, but also to establish a marketplace where users can access third-party content, tools, and features to support their workflows.
There has never been a more exciting time for creators!
With tools like Canva – you no longer need to be an expert designer to have access to the latest, easy to use professional templates for your presentations, social posts or emails. Additionally, AI image generators are eliminating the need to “speed date” through countless stock photos, instead offering the ability to custom create an original image instantly to suit creative needs. Daily, new tools are emerging to assist in creating promotional materials, editing videos, and building content, allowing users to benefit from expert knowledge without the need to hire dedicated professionals.
This new “Augmentation Era” focused on Collaborative Intelligence is where companies like Meahana and others are now entering or advancing rapidly. With the AI revolution, more and more individuals are exploring new technologies and pushing the limits of what's possible. In fact, almost everyone I talk to is eager to share their latest discoveries and creations.
Gone are the days when augmenting our skills was just for hobbyists. Now, everyday business professionals are taking advantage of the latest tools and technologies to enhance their work, and companies like Canva, which was recently awarded the #3 spot on the Disruptor 50, are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Just as great design was once exclusive only to people who knew their way around the intricacies of Adobe’s software, Meahana aims to empower anyone to become a world-class facilitator and for those who are already experts, to enhance their efficiency, creativity, and impact.
