From Revolvers to Movie Cameras: An Interactive Tech Tree of History

This article details an ambitious project: creating an interactive historical tech tree visualizing the evolution and interconnectedness of technologies from prehistoric tools to modern innovations. The project unveils unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated technologies, such as the surprisingly close relationship between revolvers and movie cameras, both stemming from the ingenious use of rotating mechanisms and rapid sequential capture. The author elaborates on the project's design philosophy, data collection methods, and challenges, and discusses its significance for understanding the non-linearity of technological development, fostering innovation, and addressing the complexities of modern technology.