Deviation as a Key to Innovation: Understanding a Culture of the Future

Deviation, fetishism and sexuality are often considered as
emotive subjects that tend to be treated with amusement or
disdain. Associating such concepts with technological innovation
often instigates a reaction more akin to that of titillation,
controversy and intrigue and has sometimes been dismissed
outright. However, as this paper shows, deviation, fetishism and
sexuality could prove to be fundamental factors in creativity and
innovation. When consumers create their own technological
innovations inspired by their personal predilections, arousal and
preferences, new and unanticipated uses for technologies are
being born. The role of deviation as a key to innovation must not
be overlooked as it will contribute to our understanding of new
intimacy, culture and the future of developing information and
communications technologies (ICTs). Due to the multidisciplinary
approach to this subject area there is a brief explanatory glossary
that accompanies this contribution.