In this series of vignettes, I describe human-scale systems of production that foster autonomy and individuality. I discuss the role of the software engineer in catalyzing these systems, as the designer of frameworks that create environments for agency. These frameworks begin an ecological succession towards large-scale gift economies.

Thanks to Kim Smith for illustrating this set of essays, and to Jonathan Harris and Neil Molino for reading drafts.

– Sep Kamvar, April 28 2015