In the age that we live in, computers have taken hold of the job market. What used to be done by hand is now done by programming. The jobs that used to be in abundance are now rapidly falling to the computer. When the world we live in is changing, we must either learn to adapt or fall behind and get passed by.

In his book A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink, the issues of how we are to overcome the computers is brought to light. He examines the problem and brings possible solutions to the table. The main questions he addresses are as follows; Can a computer do it faster?, Is what I'm offering in demand in an age of abundance?, Can someone overseas do it cheaper? Depending on the answers to these questions will depend greatly on whether or not you will be able to succeed in this computer driven economy. This is where his idea of the "Conceptual Age" comes in to play. The mind is not something that can be outsourced, nor can it be replaced by a computer. True its ability to compute and come up with facts may far exceed that of the human mind. But can it dream? Can it create? Not yet they can't. In this way, we are able to exploit the loophole computers have and thrive.

Pink presents several ways in which we are able to do this. He outlines six essential senses that we need in order to be successful. First is Design. He says that we need to be able to create something that not only functions but also has the ability to engage the user in an experience unlike one they've had before. I believe that is one of the reasons why the ipod has become so popular. It does the same thing that a CD or mp3 player does, but people buy it for the experience and interface it has. Second is Story. This is one of the more important senses. By telling a story and creating conflict instead of just presenting an argument, we are able to relate experiences the user is intimately familiar with and are able to identify in order to bring them closer to your product. Thus giving you an edge over the competition. Third is Symphony. By using this sense and bringing unique invention to the table, we are able to capture the public's attention and curiosity. Again I present the ipod. Even though it does the same thing other devices do, it does them in a unique way and captures our attention. It can play songs from many different albums, just like other devices, but by adding the "cover flow" feature, it grabs our attention and makes it much more interesting.  Fourth is Empathy. I believe that this is another of the more important senses. By presenting the user with emotional connections and feelings instead of straight logic, it makes the product more human and thus more accessible. If we present something without the empathetic sense, no matter how well it has been created, it will seem distant and cold. Fifth is Play. This is my personal favorite. By bringing the lighthearted aspect to the product, you make it fun to use instead of just necessary. You want people to say "I get to use this product" rather than "I have to use this product." And last but not least is Meaning. Without meaning, what do you have? Nothing. If we don't give meaning to a product, what's the point? Without meaning, a thing just exists but has no value. You want your product to have value not only to yourself but to others. These six essential senses are what Pink says will bring success in this day and age.

I personally believe that I am well prepared for this age. My entire life has been spent without a television in the house. Many people would view this as unfortunate, but I see it as an advantage. You see, when all the other kids wanted the latest gadget on TV, I was satisfied with a GI Joe action figure or a new pair of shoes. Since I had the simple toys, I had to create the environment they existed in with my imagination. While others were sitting around watching cartoons, I was creating my own. Since I was never exposed to the vast majority of entertainment out there, I was forced to entertain myself. Now I didn't go completely without entertainment, I still got to se movies and watch some TV at relatives houses. Also, I have become quite the avid movie viewer. I am fascinated by all the concepts and skills that are put together in order to create a film. With this type of background, I feel that I am more than prepared to function in this age.

Computers may be taking over the world, but humans are still the ultimate in creativity and imagination. They will never be unwanted and will always be in demand. The world is constantly demanding new and improved ways to entertain and bedazzle them. So through my background and current schooling I believe that I will be prepared to function and flourish in this conceptual age.