Has Silicon Valley built the wrong things? According to writer/designer/academic Ian Bogost, in his new book “The Small Stuff,” it’s about more than just tech. We’ve become disconnected from our sensory world due to so-called convenience technologies that strip away the texture of everyday life.

Bogost uses the decline of manual transmissions and automated restrooms as examples, suggesting we trade progress for a loss of meaningful interaction with the physical world. ‘Ordinary people don’t need to wait for societal change,’ he argues; they can find gratification in small sensory experiences now.

In an interview, Bogost discusses the tradeoff between convenience and experience, noting that while electric vehicles are practical, we might miss out on the meaningful moments a stick shift or a faulty automated toilet provides. ‘It’s like the breeze coming in through the window,’ he says of these small pleasures.

The book is divided into two halves: diagnosing dematerialization and proposing solutions. Bogost believes that by reclaiming these everyday experiences, we can reconnect with our sensory world and find greater satisfaction in life.

Reflecting on his journey from writing about stick shifts to this broader concept, Bogost realizes the profound value of ordinary life. He warns against ignoring the subtle changes that distance us from meaningful interaction, urging us to appreciate these small things before they fade away completely.