I think it’s safe to say that people want to be in control. It makes things easier and more safe. Because of the internet, control is getting bigger. It’s starting to encompass the flow of things. More specifically, I think it’s growing to encompass how we ‘consume’ various products or services, and how we control the flow of that consumption.
You see it with the iPod. Control the flow of music to you, what music it is, and for how long.
You see it with DVR. Control the flow of advertisements away from you, your favorite shows to you, and when you want them.
But what about non-technical stuff? That’s when I found out about an interesting restaurant called Fogo De Chao. They’re unique because they let you control the flow rather than have the waiter be the ultimate decider.
Each guest uses a two-sided disk to control the pace of their meal. The green side signals the Gaucho chefs to bring out skewers of sizzling fire-roasted meats to carve at the table. The red side indicates a stopping point. Turning back to green lets the Gaucho chefs know to start offering the meats again.
It’s just you and the chef. You tell him what you want, when you want it. You control the flow. Why not? It let’s people feel more comfortable, safer, and provide themselves (in part) with the experience they want. I wonder how this will bleed in to the general business world like it has with Fogo De Chao.
(Hat tip to the 37 Signals blog for where I first learned about the restaurant.)