Showing posts with label innovation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label innovation. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Theory Thursday: Urban Farming

National Geographic had an interesting article in a recent issue talking about how some urban centers are transforming their rooftops into green rooftops and the positive environmental impact this might have. You can read the article here.

While reading this article, a thought occurred to me regarding farming and how I had also recently read that we might not be able to grow enough food if the world population keep growing at its current rate. And with all the recent issues with food-borne illnesses, how eating local might become more important now. But where would we get enough farmland to tackle these issues? I have a theory: Urban Farming.

I don't know about you, but in my town I have quite a few developed areas (shopping centers and the like) that have been abandoned for one reason or another. Why not reclaim this land and turn it back into farms? This would do 3 things: 1) employ people and 2) green up otherwise wasted and ugly space, and 3) would also allow more folks to eat locally grown food.

Is this solution perfect? Probably not, but it's a start and I think it would be beneficial to everyone while helping Mother Earth out a bit too.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Ponoko: Make Your Own Products!

As a creative, I make prints of my 2-d illustrations and have my designs printed, which is great. Ponoko takes it to the next level and allows you to turn your creativity loose on making real objects! Whether it's a one-off prototype or special gift, this is just really cool! I don't know what I'm going to make...yet... ;)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wireless Electricity Takes Another Step Forward!

I'm so stoked about wireless electricity and I know it is a ways off from becoming a reality in my home, it just took a giant leap forward and I just had to share this link from Fast Company. Enjoy!

Monday, January 12, 2009

TinEye: Image Search Tool

Seen on the HOW Blog: TinEye, the visual search engine. This is not Google image search, TinEye actually uses your uploaded image and compares it to other images on the internet, even variants. Perfect for logo and infringement research, a must-have tool for any creative!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Design for Good: Everyone Deserves A Roof

I'm starting off 2009 with a story from the folks over at Mental Floss on someone who's designed a product for the greater good.

Here's someone who's designing a practical way to help the homeless: EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof) it's a military-grade one-person shelter for homeless people who don't want to stay at a shelter. It's portable, fireproof, and water resistant. What a great way to help those who are less fortunate, kudos to Peter Samuelson!

And if you'd like to start off 2009 doing something good for someone, consider donating to your favorite charity. If you don't have one, I suggest one my personal favorites, Manchester Bidwell corporation: "Bill Strickland established Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in 1968 to help combat the effects of economic and social devastation experienced by the youth of his inner-city Pittsburgh neighborhood."

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Improve Your Looks with Software!

Don't like the way you look? Want to have the perfect photo for your profile on Facebook or Match? Just use this brand-spanking new software developed in Israel!

Apparently these fine folks have figured out algorithms to "idealize" most anyone's face. Right now, it only works with hi-res, head on shots, so the technology has a ways to go. And while the software doesn't try to "enhance" every imperfection, I'm skeptical of the whole concept, and after seeing the sample image, I still prefer the original.


Thursday, November 20, 2008

Picture Perfect Target Gift Cards

I found this on Boing Boing the other day...Target now has gift cards with a built-in 1.2 megapixel digital camera. I'm not sure how practical this is, but it just sounds really cool and appears to be well-designed. 

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Illuminated Wall Decor

This is one of the coolest things I've seen. It's glowing wallpaper lit with fiber optics, so the patterns actually light up on your wall. Very impressive!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wire-Free Electricity

My inner science geek LOVES this story: Intel recently demonstrated wireless power. While it's not ready for primetime yet, it sounds promising and just plain cool!

Here's the link to the full story:
http://www.physorg.com/news138592657.html