You're right, I did misread your reply - I originally thought you said it was innovation that took laboratory time. Though, now that you've explained it further, I'm still not sure I agree with the concept. Pure research follows a specific method - you form ideas, form a hypothesis, create an experiment, and test your hypothesis, then revise and test again. There is nothing, ever, that is not tested. Though, you can certainly make the argument that a few of Bret's projects (such as Tangle) work as small-scale experiments for testing his larger ideas. I may actually concede that point; though it is not exactly the big picture he's talking about, it does test the tools he suggests using to achieve that big picture.
And, I have seen the talks where he demonstrates his software. I just wish he would make it available (open source, sell it, whatever) so that others could use it and test it. Wouldn't you like to try out those tools he shows?
you again, Russel ;). come on man. don't you get it: his point is to inspire the likes of us. It's up to you and I to do something with this. If you're not the one up to the task, fine, but stop putting forth a mindset that won't inspire others to do something with this, e.g. TEST IT!
also, the stuff will work. It's dead obvious that it's the future. Take a step back, take a breath, open your mind and stop trying to backup your initial point about "where's the evidence?" and just agree this is magical and some big things will come out of it.
if you can't see that, and can't allow yourself to be wrong for a second, then fine, you're a regular guy--not someone we expect to see making the amazing startups that will put Bret Victor's stuff to use.
And, I have seen the talks where he demonstrates his software. I just wish he would make it available (open source, sell it, whatever) so that others could use it and test it. Wouldn't you like to try out those tools he shows?