The speed of technological development and production is faster than at any time in the past. The kinds of major breakthroughs that once took years now take only months, with new systems and tools coming out at a breakneck pace. If you’re wondering how this has come to pass, you need to look at the major factors discussed below.
More Tools
There are more tools out there for tech developers than ever before. It’s now easier—and more affordable—to create programs from scratch or to tinker with older programs, often with the blessings of the original creators. Whether you’re looking at the ease of prototyping through relatively low-cost 3D printers or easier software development thanks to open-source platforms, it’s now easier for a single person to see his or her vision realized thanks these tools. Access has become one of the most important assets for any new technology developer or producer.
Better Manufacturing
One area that has grown particularly efficient is technology manufacturing. As one might expect, manufacturers who make the high-tech components necessary for modern life are among those who have benefitted the most from the advances made in modern tech. You can now get a PCB manufacturer to create custom printed circuit boards in a fraction of the time it once took, and these kind of speed gains are also applicable to virtually every other step in the manufacturing process. Simply put, getting the parts you need to make the next technological innovation is more efficient than it has ever been.
Better Communication
The unsung hero of modern technology creation and production is the internet. It’s now so much easier to troubleshoot problems and to crowd-source solutions that the pace of development has greatly accelerated past what it was just a few years ago. It’s no longer necessary to reinvent the wheel when a quick search can show you what’s been done before or a quick private message can put you in contact with another developer who has simple interests. Whether it’s collaboration or problem-solving, the prevalence of instant communication and constant contact has really changed the pace of how technology is created.
The modern era of technology development and production has been greatly aided by changes in tool availability, manufacturing speed, and communications tools. If you want to develop something today, there are fewer barriers than ever before. Where once time was the enemy of progress, all that really stands in the way of new developers is whether or not an individual has the will succeed.
