Mechanical ecosystems

Posted by Kirsten Gibbs
Last updated 25th January 2021
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  • Let's look at the human body.  Simpler, less tightly-coupled joints are held in place by muscle and cartilage, combining rigidity and strength with flexibility and adaptability.    Although there is a 'standard' bone shape, tolerances are high, accommodating a wide range of variation in components - both across a population and within a single individual.   Growth is allowed for.

    At the same time, possibilities are constrained by the surrounding muscles.   If there is too much play in a joint, strengthening muscles will help.  If there is too little play, stretching and loosening them will allow more movement.   Remediation is possible without taking anything apart, or even stopping - all that's needed to keep things in good order is a healthy variety of movement.

    Perhaps this is the sweet spot between machine and ecosystem we should aim for in a business?

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