Sandbox

What generation are we?

November 11th, 2008 by Nico Luchsinger

We had another great Sandbox dinner yesterday here in Zurich: The Thai food was excellent, and so were the conversations. A part of the discussion revolved around the question how to describe and label our generation. At Sandbox, we have been using the term “Generation Y” (because that’s what our generation is usually called), but haven’t really warmed to it. The “Y”, we feel, doesn’t express much – it’s just the generation between X and Z. “Generation Why?” already does a better job in capturing what this is all about: A generation looking for meaning and purpose in their constantly changing lives. Another term used a lot is “Digital Natives“, which probably expresses most clearly one of the differences between this generation and all the others before it: We grew up with digital technology and look at it as integral part of our lives. – What is your take on that? Do you have other descriptions for this generation?

Also, on a somewhat related note: Yesterday’s Sandbox dinner saw the unveiling of the first prototype of a new type of ultra-light airplane (see picture). The plane, its developers told your correspondent over a few Singha beers, will disrupt the airline industry. Stay tuned for more details.