I agree (and thanks for calling me a smart individual :) )

Nowadays is so much easier to get information on how to build something apparently very complex. You don't need to go to a library or seek out and go talk to experts, you actually have access to all that through the internet in forums, articles, posts and videos.

Also it's easy nowadays to order all the things you need for a project online.

Thanks :)

Also the access to a massive library of freely shared code libraries and examples. While working with arduino stuff its amazing how when I buy some random part off ebay I can find someone who has already spent a week writing a library that makes everything super easy to use. If I had to do it all myself this would take forever.

Interestingly enough, looking at the HW, there is not much there that wouldn't have been feasible for hobbyist a decade ago. But of course the community and information has absolutely exploded during that period

Interesting perspective. I wonder what kinds of projects a motivated individual would be able to tackle say, 20-30 years from now.

Perhaps building a world where the occupants don't realize they're in a simulation....

I reckon that with 3d printing and more components, people with little knowledge in electronics will be able to put together something useful.