In digital technology, friction typically represents obstacles, archaic practices, and barriers to be overcome. “Digital workplaces are designed to be frictionless,” Scott Belsky said. “But the analog world is all about friction,” he continued, running his hand over the rough wooden table. “It is a friction-filled experience. Should we have a completely frictionless life? Creativity happens in clashes. In truth, it is friction that sparks creativity. Without friction, things simply go as planned.”
— David Sax
Excerpt from The Revenge of Analog: Real Things and Why They Matter by David Sax, Public Affairs, new york, 2016.