"The Future of Search: Curiosity, Curation, and Verticality"

"The Future of Search: Curiosity, Curation, and Verticality"

In a world where organized religion is on the decline, humans are seeking fulfillment and community in new places. The rise of online communities, like Peloton, has provided a space for individuals to find meaning, identity, and connection. This shift towards finding community outside of traditional religious institutions is a testament to the ongoing search for something greater.

On Deck, a community-based platform, has recognized this need for connection and has capitalized on it. They have built a network of programs that cater to specific demands within their community. By intertwining their founders, angels, and talent fellowships, On Deck is able to provide a holistic experience for their members. This approach not only meets the needs of their community but also generates revenue that can be reinvested into creating exceptional experiences.

Learning from the failures of the first generation of "ed-tech," On Deck has taken a different approach. Instead of solely focusing on curriculum, they have "re-bundled" community with learning. By creating a culture that fosters peer-to-peer education, they have found success. Their top fellows exhibit strong repeat behavior, with many participating in multiple programs. This speaks to the value and satisfaction that On Deck provides to its members.

On Deck is riding a series of macro waves that are shaping the future. The decline of traditional higher education and the rise of "ed-tech 2.0" have paved the way for virtual curriculum and community. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards distributed living and working, making platforms like On Deck even more relevant. In a world of uncertainty, new norms are emerging, creating new needs and opportunities for innovation.

Chris Dixon, from a16z, believes that the ideal approach is to offer utility to your user base. This long-term competitive advantage can only be achieved at scale. Instead of selling or licensing their technology to incumbents, startups are now taking a full-stack approach. By bypassing competitors and building end-to-end products or services, startups can create a more sustainable and impactful business.

The future of search lies in the intersection of curiosity, curation, and verticality. Curiosity is a natural desire that drives us to seek knowledge. People have a fear of wasting time, which is why they curate information. Curating important information and creating a curated bucket allows for efficient searching in the future. The quality and scope of the curated bucket are crucial aspects. Maintaining quality can be achieved through social accountability associated with public aspects.

Interestingly, the way people organize information is often different from how they search for it. This insight opens up new possibilities for improving the search experience. By incorporating public highlights, which combine social accountability and specific important parts, the quality of the curated bucket can be enhanced.

When searching for something, narrowing down the scope or focusing on verticals can increase effectiveness. The scope directly impacts the signal-noise ratio, and by narrowing it down, users can find more relevant and valuable information. The word "curate" and "curious" both stem from the Latin word "cura," meaning care. In the case of an "In-cura-net," an interest graph and social graph can be utilized to search for information. This vertical approach, centered around high-quality curated buckets, could be the future of search.

To embrace the future of search, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the power of community: Seek out online communities that align with your interests and values. These communities can provide the fulfillment and connection that traditional institutions may lack.

2. Curate your own knowledge: Take the time to organize and curate the information you find valuable. By creating your own curated bucket, you can save time and improve the efficiency of future searches.

3. Embrace verticality: When searching for information, consider narrowing down the scope or focusing on specific verticals. This will help you find more relevant and valuable content, improving the signal-noise ratio.

In conclusion, the future of search lies in the synergy between curiosity, curation, and verticality. Platforms like On Deck have tapped into the human need for connection and community, while also providing valuable learning experiences. By curating information and embracing vertical approaches, we can enhance the search process and find the knowledge we seek more efficiently. As we navigate the uncertainties of the future, it is through innovation and adaptation that we can shape a better world.