Innovation Practice, Evolution of Form

The work of Darwin gave the idea of evolution a place in the public mind. His eloquent descriptions of animal life uncovered an accumulation of gradual change, a dynamic by which existing life became new life following a logic of adaptation. Darwin's work provided the basis to appreciate evolution more broadly, expanding beyond biology and applying generally to all natural forms. Darwin also brought to bear an ecological frame for understanding the nature of change, a process by which every aspect of Reality evolves to fit its context.

• ↳ Term / Logic and Process of Adaptation

Evolution is the way of growth of every aspect of Reality, from mountains to lakes to planets, to cities and neighborhoods, a general process of ongoing synergistic adaptation between environment and organism. It’s also the way of growth of cultural forms, from social forms of organization to global trade routes and technological artifacts. There’s a sense of forward growth, a sense of becoming in response to the modern context.

Like Darwin’s finches, technological forms like gadgets, computers, and digital media also suffer progressive changes in their form and function. There’s a continuous “polishing” being made on the way they work to improve its function and performance. Consider the evolution of the iPhone since 2007 or of the automobile through the decades and you will see a process of gradual optimization.