This little project suggests big things. Some folks built a little box to be a Digg counter. It lets you know how many Diggs an item has received without needing to access your computer. It reminds me of other ambient devices like The Orb which displays dynamic information feeds in an interesting way outside of the virtual world.

I am fascinated by recommendation systems. I think they harness the power of the Net and communities in a powerful and useful way. So when I see a device like this, it makes me think about how recommendation systems can be extended beyond the computer.

This type of device suggests things like a live, updating Yelp or Zagat sign in the front of restaurants. The sign could continually update with the latest votes from community members. It suggests ideas like using your phone to scan a barcode or RFID on a shirt at a store to see if other people like the product. Why shouldn't the power of the community be available to me whether I am on or offline?

[via ubergizmo]

Labels: customer feedback, recommendations