Sunday, April 8, 2012


Rhymes of History – Food For Thought – Delivered



“History doesn't repeat itself - at best it sometimes rhymes” (Mark Twain from ThinkExist.com )





 
There is entry by Designboom that described a virtual supermarket in South Korea. Tesco created a wall in a subway station with food selections from a supermarket. Commuters, using their smart phones, could see the food available. They then would use their iPhone to capture the Quick Response Code (QR code). The app would then send in the order to the store and the food would be delivered to the shopper. The innovation appeals to the mobile, hardworking, tech-savvy, South Korean worker. It is convenient, saves time, and provides a historic service in a new way.


This service is an example of the “Rhymes of History” driving emerging technology (Thornburg, n.d.). Dr. Thornburg identified the role of past activities and innovations as a driving force for emerging technology. The quote at the start of this blog, by Mark Twain, is the source of the name.


The past “Rhymes” for food delivery could include Manna delivered to Moses at around 1400 B.C. The bible narration detailed food delivered daily to the Israelites. Those who interpret the bible literally attribute the food delivery to God. Frank Doernenburg described the provision of Manna and reviewed a speculative technological delivery system, the Manna Machine.

Manna in the desert





Food delivery by merchants and tradesman ranged from early Chinese explorers to middle age merchants delivering food to the nobility. A list of foods of the renaissance that were imported is described by a Renaissance cookery worksheet by internal schools in Australia. Meals on Wheels were started during World War 2 by the United Kingdom and continues today to deliver food to those who need it.




The many waves of telephone based food delivery can be gleaned by examining the number of patents sought by innovators. The list is documented by Google patents

Computer based food delivery was described by James Cook on How Online Food Delivery Service Functions, an article courtesy of Simple Articles Directory. James Cook described the flow from pure online stores sending supplies to customers to restaurants providing online ordering and delivery. One example of the next wave, smartphone apps to order food for delivery can be seen by the Seamless App for the iPad.


This then returns us to the current stanza in the food delivery rhyme. People shopping by mobile phone, on a wall, while commuting to work. The Rhymes in History driving technology suggests that the beat goes on.


References:

Coolname186. (2011) Meals on wheels timeline. Retrieved from http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/meals-on-wheels

Cook, J. (2011) How online food delivery service functions. Retrieved from http://historyofcomputertechnology.jeremypinc.com/126/how-online-food-delivery-service-functions/

Doernenburg, F. (2000a). Manna in the desert. Retrieved from http://doernenburg.alien.de/alternativ/manna/man00_e.php


Doernenburg, F. (2000b). The Manna machine. Retrieved from http://doernenburg.alien.de/alternativ/manna/man01_e.php

Google Patents. (2009). Food order/delivery system. Google Patents. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/patents/US4797818

Internal Schools. (n.d.) Foods of the Renaissance that were imported. Retrieved from http://www.internal.schools.net.au/edu/lesson_ideas/renaissance/renaissance_cookery_wksht.html

Thornburg, D. (n.d.). Six forces that drive emerging technologies [Video]. Retrieved from Laureate Education.  http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6509859&Survey=1&47=3205032&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Seamless. (2012). Seamless mobile iPhone app. Seamless North America, LLC. Retrieved from http://www.seamless.com/mobile-apps/ipad/








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6 comments:

  1. Sonja PughApril 14, 2012 at 7:47 PM

    Bill,
    Your post was very interesting with great graphics. The new technology would be welcomed by many especially those who are unable to do their own grocery shopping.
    Sonja

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    Replies
    1. BillApril 15, 2012 at 6:30 AM

      Sonja,
      Thank you for youe post.

      Dr Thornburg raised an interesting question. Would Americans, used to shopping "by sight" in the store buy food without seeing exactly what they are buying?

      I think that as I get busier, and older, this will be a great option. I was cautious when I first ordered items online. Now I almost exclusively shop online. I may just be a laggard with online food delivery!

      Bill

      Delete
  2. ShearsologyApril 15, 2012 at 3:23 AM

    Bill,
    I like your Biblical expression the "Manna Machine". I recounts this story as provision. However, Manna could not be stored because it would spoil. The Manna arrived daily fresh. I believe this built their faith that God will provide.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BillApril 15, 2012 at 6:34 AM

      Carolyn,
      Thank you for your post.
      You are correct - it was only "food delivery" - provided to the Israelites from God. It was supplied daily to build faith and trust. In our culture, I often think about the lesson against hoarding or greed. But it is one of the earliest food deliveries I could remember.

      Bill

      Delete
  3. ShearsologyApril 15, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Bill, we have to0 many boulvard that hoopers the food chains. Delivery is not the problem. It is the fork, the spoon, and the value size meals that are killing us through heart disease and other health issues. Well, it is like Manna. You cannot go back and eat it the next day. ):

    However, there is a positive perspective about your blog. We have achieved many way to feed America and foriegn countries during earthly disaster. I am thankful for the Red Cross because Rhyme of History alway rekindle something from the past such as Manna to help others in need.

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  4. BillApril 16, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Carolyn,
    I agree totally with you that the crisis in health care and obesity ir far worse than the need for the convenience to have food delivered. It would be nice if the saving in food costs by less "brick and mortar" stores resulted in lower income families being able to buy healthier food.

    Bill

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