Trivergence and the Infinite Data Revolution

This unit examines how the convergence of ubiquitous sensing, decentralized computation, and interoperable data (trivergence) creates an era of effectively infinite data and ushers in self-sovereign identity, decentralized platforms, and sectoral disruption. Students analyze cross-cutting technological and social challenges and prepare to design resilient, privacy-respecting software systems in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the technical characteristics and systemic implications of the infinite data revolution, including scale, velocity, variety, and governance trade-offs
• Evaluate self-sovereign identity models and data-ownership paradigms and their effects on privacy, security, and user agency
• Apply design principles to propose decentralized or interoperable system architectures that reduce dependence on centralized digital landlords while addressing scalability and resilience
• Demonstrate the ability to assess trivergence-driven impacts and constraints in healthcare, agriculture, and transportation, and propose mitigation strategies for identified technological and social challenges