Interval Research Corporation: a 1990s PARC without a Xerox (2022)
4 days ago
- #Innovation
- #Paul Allen
- #Technology Research
- Interval Research Corporation was founded in 1992 by Paul Allen and David Liddle to explore future technologies and foster new industries.
- The company focused on diverse research areas like signal computation, digital entertainment, wearable tech, and immersive environments.
- Interval employed a multidisciplinary team including filmmakers, designers, musicians, and engineers, collaborating with institutions like MIT Media Lab and Stanford.
- The name 'Interval' symbolized the transition between old and new technological eras, initially planned to last a decade (1992-2002).
- David Liddle, a PARC veteran, aimed to avoid Xerox's mistakes by commercializing innovations while maintaining creative freedom.
- Interval's unique project management involved allocating 'points' to researchers for primary or secondary commitments.
- Workshops like the 'Design Challenge' encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on sound interfaces (1995) and remote play (1996).
- Projects included virtual reality (Placeholder), wearable tech, and interactive installations (Be Now Here).
- After seven years, Interval shifted from pure research to product development, leading to Liddle's departure and a more commercial focus.
- Despite secrecy and limited public output, Interval was seen as a bridge between industrial research labs and venture capital.