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.