How to Future Proof Everything: Part III

It’s everywhere. New technology. Isn't it? Pitch decks and fundraising campaigns promising the latest "game-changing" tool, only for it to end up swallowed by a bigger tech player or fade into the oblivion of forgotten apps. We’re surrounded by lists of abandoned ideas—hundreds of kanban-style to-do apps, CRM tools that all look the same, and "revolutionary" AI solutions that barely outperform well-designed automation.

This abundance of tech is usually seen as a hallmark of progress, but let’s get real: is creating more tech really future proofing? Or are we reaching a saturation point where more tech actually threatens to destabilise the foundations we have?

Innovation vs. Necessity: The Gap in Product-Market Fit

Take, for instance, the influx of tools designed to help us "organise" our lives, or supposedly “intelligent” CRMs. Come on. Do we really need all of these? Do we? A critical mass is forming, where a tool’s survival hinges not on its brilliance but on how fast it’s acquired—or ignored. Many of these solutions lack product-market fit because they don’t address any new problem; they just rehash an old one with a slightly different UI.

Consider web-based list-making apps—each one promises to be the last "productivity tool" we’ll ever need. But if they’re so essential, why are there hundreds of them, all vying for the same users? Are they tailored to our needs (personalised), or do they just allow us to tinker with colors and labels (customised)? There’s a big difference here, but it seems to be lost in the rush to create something "new." Please don't post your go-to applications here, I simply don't care.

Is It AI or Just Fancy Automation?

Everywhere we look, there’s a new app touting its "AI-driven" capabilities. But if we’re being honest, many of these so-called AI solutions are little more than automation—useful, but far from intelligent. Is it possible that we’ve gotten so caught up in the allure of "AI" that we’re coding unnecessary complexity into things that a well-designed rule set could handle just as well?

Adding layers of AI doesn’t inherently make tech future-proof; in fact, it might just complicate things to the point of impracticality. This is where we need a reality check: sometimes, simplicity serves the user better than the "intelligent" facade. Not everything needs to be "smart"—often, it just needs to work. What's up with your google calendar or your trello? Do we need Slack? Really? What's up with telegram, signal, whatsapp, google chat?

The Problem with Infinite Creation: A Critical Mass of Tech

As we pour more resources into creating new tech, we overlook the sustainability of existing infrastructure. Data centers are running hot—literally. With every new "revolutionary" app or platform, we place added strain on our already stretched tech infrastructure. There’s a critical mass point here: at what point does the accumulation of tech outpace our ability to maintain it? When do data centers overclock, and what does that mean for cities already struggling with heat, energy, and environmental degradation?

The increasing data load from all these applications has its limits. Pushing beyond that, we risk driving communities toward unsustainable solutions—more cooling for data centers, more energy to power countless redundant tools. And when you think about it, we're at that crossroads right now aren't we? Future-proofing tech doesn’t mean more tech; it means smart, sustainable tech.

It may sound extreme, but unchecked tech growth could indeed lead to broader societal implications. It’s a bit of a sci-fi scenario, but imagine a future where we’re overrun by technology—overclocked data centers heating up cities, constant maintenance for products that don’t solve any real problem, and communities suffering as resources are diverted to keep redundant tech on life support. Tech is becoming a barrier to civilisation, not a bridge.

But ok, future-proofing isn’t just about creating new tech; it’s about developing sustainable, adaptable systems that serve real needs and respect environmental boundaries. The irony is that in our quest to future-proof, we might be dooming the very foundations we rely on.

Some Stats to Consider

• Global Data Center Energy Consumption: Data centers consumed about 1% of the world’s electricity in 2021, but today? In Ireland, home to various big tech firms, such centres account for 14% of national usage, a figure which could increase to 27% by 2029. International Energy Agency (IEA)
• Product Failure Rates: Studies suggest that 90% of startups fail , with many citing lack of product-market fit or unsustainable business models. In the US, 10% fail IN THEIR FIRST YEAR.
• Environmental Impact of Overproduction: You only need google that phrase to read page after page of reports from the International Energy Agency, Morgan King, the UN and more about tech’s environmental footprint, particularly focusing on heat, emissions, and e-waste .