Computers and technology have managed to completely revolutionize the way we do business in an office setting. Even the equipment in a typical office has changed so radically that many would not recognize it for what it is. Gone are the old-fashioned typewriters and mimeograph machines. They have been replaced with sleek pieces of technology that have made working in the office more organized, more intuitive and, often, more fun.
The computer and the Internet are often praised for their ability to increase communications within an organization. Many do not stop to think about how these technologies have affected the way we organize our days. Really, think for a minute about scheduling as recently as 20 years ago. It was all handled by hand, with a very few exceptions (remember the Day Planners?). Today, schedules can be created and maintained online. Owners can access their schedule via their smart phone or give fellow employees the rights to view and edit it. Every minute of our time can be accounted for.
It is also important to remember that the very act of creating new technology changed the way that we think. Designers relied on flow charts to create a working program base. These flow charts eventually morphed into mapping technology. This technology itself morphed and created a new way to organize an office or a project. The visual element of mapping made working much more intuitive to many people.
Computer technology and the Internet changed a lot more than the way we communicate.