The recent emergence of web mash-ups and open
source software is driving the development of new
practices in software and systems development. In this
paper we explore novel practices of user-driven
innovation through an examination of several case
studies which illustrate how users and developers are
exploiting the proliferation of open APIs and open
source systems. Developers can rapidly create proofs
of concept that are robust enough for actual use by
combining preexisting software components. The
underlying programming processes involved make use
of tried-and-true software development techniques,
and may not appear innovative at first. However, the
application of these practices and techniques to
problem solving by non-programmers shows a high
degree of creative innovation, giving rise to new ways
of thinking about technology design and production.
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