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What the SOCCKET is (And What it is Not)
It looks like the prototype do-gooder-gimmick – a football (soccer ball) that produces and stores electricity, which can power a solar lantern at night. Each ball financed by Western backers, they are donated in developing countries. I had the chance to kick it at the Rio Summit – it’s a fun concept, but does it hold up to its promise?
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
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A Formula for Social Innovation?: Reflections from the UN Social Innovation Summit, 2012.
At last week’s United Nations Social Innovation Summit in New York, all manner of change agents - from social entrepreneurs, to philanthropists, industry titans, impact investors and celebrities stretched the confines of a term that, admittedly, gets thrown around haphazardly and can mean different things to different people. What exactly is “social innovation?”
- Categories
- Impact Assessment, Technology
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Siemens SMARTly Designs Products for Emerging Markets, Will Others Follow?
SMART products (simple, maintenance-friendly, affordable, reliable and timely-to-market) have now become a primary focus for Siemens. The focus on local markets has led to breakthrough innovations in products such as X-ray machines, medical devices, and water treatment products. After three years, the company is now beginning to see the fruits of its efforts.
- Categories
- Education
- Tags
- product design, research
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The Power of Exposure: The Influence of Role Models and Design on Aspirations
As a mayor of Medellín, Colombia, Sergio Fajardo wanted to provide young Colombians alternatives to crime and violence, and to change the mindset that they can’t aspire to anything better. He did it by creating aesthetically inspiring public buildings and spaces in poor neighborhoods.
- Categories
- Environment, Impact Assessment
- Tags
- product design
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The EzyStove Improves On Man’s Greatest Invention, Fire
Can designers build a better fire? For developing countries, they had to.
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Best Ideas of 2011: In Praise of Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy is an architect who, unsatisfied with the self-directed benefits of traditional architecture and the opportunities lost in its wake, redefined what an architect is, and how great an impact a built environment can have. He has re-conceived hospital design to better heal the sick people in it, but that’s only part of the story.
- Categories
- Health Care
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- product design
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Why the Failure of the Nano Has Been a Success
The Tata Nano’s launch failed by nearly every measure, including highly publicized flame outs of just purchased cars. Yet the $2,000 Nano gave companies thinking about emerging segments in emerging markets something to talk about. The hype caused firms of many sizes and industries to plan or imagine how their products might someday reach the poor.
- Categories
- Finance
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D-Rev’s Design Sense: Connecting World-Class Products With World Needs
Krista Donaldson, CEO of Design Revolution, says innovators need to be flexible. D-Rev visited hundreds of clinics and hostels when designing "Brilliance," which uses blue light to treat newborn jaundice that can lead disability or death. "We found that the need we originally identified was not actually the most practical place to start."
- Categories
- Health Care
- Tags
- product design