Design Crux

Data processors work within a business system. They can work the system, but don’t have the authority, tools, or wherewithal to change the system. Consequently any innovation which might alter the status quo is off limits.

Information workers, through both policy and technology support, consider system change part of their job duties.

Information arbitragers spot flaws in the information systems of a company where data isn’t being turned into actionable information. They recognize the hidden opportunities of information imbalances, and profit from closing information gaps.

The Role for Context Aware Technology

You may have already heard of soda vending machines equipped with sensors for monitoring the temperature outside the machine. The idea is simple; on hot days where demand for soda should improve, the price for soda would increase. On cooler days, or essentially whenever demand is likely to be low, the machine would reduce the price you pay.

This is a very simple concept to get started with, and can gain sophistication quickly as you gain some confidence. The price, however, is quite high because it’s not about money; you’ll need an open mind.

Information arbitrage requires the ability to sidestep the inertia and “not invented here” biases endemic to lethargic, status quo companies. Not unlike financial arbitrage, information arbitragers require a little courage to step outside one’s comfort zone. Not much to ask when qualifying for the title of information worker.

What Medical Systems Can Learn From Pit Crews

For Goldman and Elliott the parallels between this and their own challenges were striking. Both involved multiple specialists simultaneously carrying out numerous, complex tasks – tasks that frequently involved complex interfaces, and which all had to be completed quickly and accurately. Upon this realisation the duo quickly set about contacting Formula One teams to ask them to lend their expertise and help the hospital streamline their processes during a patient handover.
— F1 and GOSH – where motorsport and medicine meet

The context aware information worker realizes the implications. Within its own context, competitors struggle for fractional gains in performance. But move a key piece of information from its original context and adapt it to a new situation, information provides a devastating competitive advantage.

Biomimcry and the Medici Effect are two insights coming from the realization of information arbitrage. Each shows how the arbitrage is done, with processes like the biomimicry design spiral. Interestingly enough, the process takes the form of a design brief, rather than an engineering requirements document.

When information arbitagers discover and apply information from one context to another, game changing innovation can happen. Other fields (or even nature) have already solved many of your thorniest problems. With a little open minded exploration, you can apply information arbitrage to discover and apply those solutions.

An added benefit is information arbitrage works in making computer operators live up to the haughty title of information worker.

Contact Design Crux to find and convert hidden assets from all aspects of your business into a cash winfall of sales, profits, and good will.