Now that we have the initial setup, I will begin to explain my idea of the future. First off, do you have any idea how many objects are tagged with ways of identifying them? Sure there are the obvious ways like labels or container types, but there are other ways such as the barcodes and printed websites on the labels,
“Five of these everyday objects have barcodes, either adhering to them with gummed paper, or worked right into their surface finish…I can also go trolling for kitchen-table objects that have Web sites embossed on them, inviting some End-User digital interaction,” (Sterling 8-9).
Not all objects have these sorts of identifiers on them, but imagine if they did. And not just barcodes and printed web addresses. Barcodes simply state what is on the label and a printed website URL means you have to go and physically type it into a browser to interact with the company in some way; a new sort of tag must be affixed to all objects that allow us to interact with it. This may involve embedding some sort of paper-thin wireless transmitter/receiver. What this would allow is for us to wirelessly interact with everyday objects as well as store a lot more information on each object about that object. This could include vitally important information as to how to use it and how to dispose of it properly. This would reduce physical waste from product manuals and from improper disposal of objects. Instead it could tell you where to ship it to for recycling. Another application of this technology would be to prevent things like theft. Imagine having something stolen like a nuclear warhead or vat of hazardous chemicals. If there were these types of embedded technologies right in the object, they could be tracked globally right away. This can apply to any product.