The Age Of Imagination

Creativity Oct 31, 2010

In 1969 they sang, “It is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius”, and while many are still debating whether this age has yet to arrive, there can be no doubt that this time period marked the dawning of a new age. Technology ushered in the Information Age and a mere forty years later, I bet no one is complaining about the lack of information available. In fact, today most of us suffer from information overload. That’s because technology has also given us the tools to not only access a world of information but also to share our discoveries with the entire world. One could argue that the Information Age has given way to the Communication Age as we tweet, blog, post and update our status 24/7. Never before have we been able to connect with so many in so many different ways.

But what makes information or communication meaningful?

This is where imagination comes into play. Without it, information is simply data and communication is mostly noise – with the loudest shouting for our attention. Those who manage to simplify the complex, create relationships where none seem to exist and make connections to bigger ideas will lead us into the Age of Imagination.

Some great examples from David McCandless in his book “The Visual Miscellaneum”