Part 5/8:
If history is any guide, the COVID-19 pandemic could be a turning point for human interaction. What begins as a temporary pause or adaptation, such as elbow bumps or nods, may eventually evolve into new cultural norms. For example, Michele Acuto, director of the Connected Cities Lab in Melbourne, notes that moments of crisis serve as catalysts for experimentation and innovation.
During a 2014 London transit strike, commuters found more efficient routes by exploring alternatives, demonstrating how forced disruption can lead to better habits and designs. This same principle applies to social gestures—replacing handshakes with digital greetings, gestures, or contactless interactions could become standard.