BIKE.COOK.PLAY

IDDS 2010 Lazy Sunday

2010-07-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

A short play by play of a lazy Sunday at IDDS 2010. Got to sleep in today and woke up at 7am. Walked over to breakfast, and met up with some participants there. We had breakfast together and talked about the upcoming World Cup game of Holland vs Spain. There was a more in depth conversation about Paul the Predicting Octopus (whom accurately predicted that Spain would win).

I walked back to the dorm with some people, and got to working on the computer in the lounge between 9am and 10am. Was joined by some participants, and we listened to Explosions in the Sky and Prince. Had a lively conversation about Prince promoting the internet, and now declaring it dead. With that, we walked outside for an hour and twenty minute Yoga session.

After Yoga, I biked over to Big 5 sporting goods to purchase some goggles for swimming at the pool. I spent about two hours crying the previous day after about thirty minutes in the pool. Big 5 is only a block or two away from the campus, but I got lost on the way. Upon returning to campus, I went over to lunch. A number of participants were already there, having a noon time lunch to make it back to the dorm in time for the 12:30 World Cup kick-off. After lunch I joined everyone in the basement of the dorm to watch Spain win. Many IDDSers were happy, some weren't, I got some video of their reactions to tense moments.

Between three and five in the afternoon, Sollys (the team I'm working with this year) met to discuss Venture Sketches and planning of our goals for the summit. Combined with our individual work prior to the meeting, we made good progress. I hope that we can make some more significant progress in the coming week. Particularly, gathering documents to create a packet by the end of the summit is goal we hope to achieve, and move through this coming week.

After the meeting, I went swimming with the new goggles. Then headed off to dinner when the gym closed at 6pm. Talked about what I liked to cook at dinner, and heard similar information from others. Walked back to the dorm for participant presentations between 6:30 and 7:30... which actually went until sometime past 8pm.

After the participant presentation, the organizers got together to have a meeting which went until 11pm. Now I'm writing this post, sending an email off to Ghana, cataloging photos and videos and making some notes for the coming week. And researching micro-credit. Maybe this wasn't such a lazy Sunday. I'll do one or two more posts like this of some days during the week.

IDDS 2010

2010-07-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Paul Hudnut and Amy Smith opening words for IDDS 2010.

IDDS 2010 has started up, in CSU at Fort Collins, Colorado. I've been helping to organize it, and am now participating on a team that is work on the dissemination of Solar Lights in India. For frequent updates, visit iddsummit.org where Niall will be updating with day to day Summit posts, like this one. I'll also be taking some photos and videos of the conference, which I will post on flickr.

I'll also be keeping track of the day to day from a team perspective of the different topics we are covering and ideas we are working on regarding solar lights. Here is a link to the iddsummit project page. So far we've mapped out where our the venture is at, and are starting to come up with venture sketches, one of which we will develop further over the next few weeks.

Mac and Cheese

2010-05-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

iPhone Review, 4 Years Later

2010-05-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

At a glance summary, I'm satisfied with the iPhone, it has come in handy in ways I couldn't have originally imagined. The problems I encounter are failing coverage and noticable slow down in performance over time. I'm worried about future OS upgrades further degrading performance and feeling left out with newer applications using hardware features my phone doesn't have.

Short story of how I came to own the phone. I didn't think I would buy a first gen device like the iPhone, as I had a phone. Then it was stolen, within a month of the iPhone's 2007 release. After living a life without a phone for 2 months (something I enjoyed) I purchased the iPhone. It was great, my contacts synched automatically with those on my Macbook Pro, so I didn't have to manually enter them all over again. The touch typepad was better than having to select letters on 10 digit numerical keypad, I finally started texting. The camera was okay, but about as good as an old point and shoot I used to have (which is impressive for a phone). I started listening to Podcasts for the first time, which was amazing.

In 2008, Apple came out with the second generation iPhone, and the App Store. The App Store was equally amazing. Now the capabilities of the iPhone were expanding, and it could start to become the 'mini-computer' I envisioned having when I first purchased the iPhone. I was hesitant though, and didn't purchase many Apps. I've downloaded many free apps, and have probably paid for about 10 total. The first app I did purchase was a Sketching app, I don't remember what it was, but now I have Brushes and Sketchbook Pro Free Version on my iPhone. One of my most frequented paid apps is Money Book. I would like to add Sleep Cycle to that short list, but I never got it to work (other friends have said it has worked great for them), so I'm holding out for when I change my bed or change my phone.

Now it is 2010, Apple has released the iPad and there are some leaked iPhone 4 models on the internet. The building where I work has very poor reception for my phone (co-workers with 3G seem to get better reception, but not exceptional reception). The phone itself has problems logging on to networks from time to time, to the point that I have to turn the phone off and turn it on again. I do use the device frequently, as an alarm, expense tracker, twitter reader, password storage and map. Sometimes I play games or draw with it, but this is rare. I don't take or share photos with the iPhone anymore. I don't listen to music, because I've worn out a number of headphones, and am hesistant to purchase another pair only to break them (the inset headphone port doesn't help matters, as I have to check for compatability). I text with the phone more than I make calls with the phone now.

This very late review is written as I consider whether to purchase an iPad, wait and purchase a 4th Generation iPhone, or just hold out and make due with what I have. I am trying to use my experience with the iPhone as a reason to wait on the iPad (the biggest selling point for me is a larger touch screen to use the device as a digital sketchbook). I originally bought the iPhone because I thought I would only have to update the software, not the hardware. In analyzing my use of the phone, I question if any new hardware features would really benefit me. Upgraded camera, video capture, gps, is that really how I use the device now, or hope to? I get by without these features, and sometimes wish for them, but have yet to be in a situation where GPS would change my life. The one exception, and it is something of a big one, is the poor reception might improve with 3G. For now though, I'll wait.

Money Management, Behavioral Economics, and Interaction Design

2010-03-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

image by AMagill

In search of a money management application for my iPhone, I came across MoneyBook, a beautifully crafted app. The creator/developers have done a wonderful job on the app, and the ethos surrounding it. They currently keep a well updated blog, that gives tips for using the app and details their reasoning and and challenges behind the apps continued development (I particularly enjoy "the importance of an app icon" entry). All of this work they have shared surrounding the app, illustrates a work of passion to me, taking into account the user experience beyond the app itself (N~~ote: as of writing, I still haven't purchased the app, because I'm that cheap when it comes to app purchases~~ Update: I purchased it).

Being aware of my ability to be wooed by gorgeous interfaces, I looked online for reviews of Money Book. Many of them have come back very positive (iPhone App Review, 148apps Review and Just Another iPhone Blog). I also looked at the reviews in iTunes of the application. I often look for reviews in the extreme of the spectrum first, and was interested in a particular review that commented that Money Book is a copy of Pennies. I believe the side by side screenshots below will show this to be a fair criticism.

Just to be sure, I checked to see if they were the same developers (which would be odd), and they're not. Pennies is made by Austin and Clemens of Design by a Knife, while Money Book is made by Sandro and Mischa of Noidentity. That is the end of that investigation for now, I will leave that story to someone else. From a visual critique, I have to say I prefer Money Book over Pennies. The meter gauge over the fuel gauge is more appealing, along with other touches, such as richer colors and subtle textures. Even the name, Money Book is more preferable to me than Pennies (its aspirational rather than miserly).

After only watching youTube videos of the applications in action, they seem extremely similar, supporting the criticism that caught my eye in the iTunes comment. I am well aware that the Money Book Promo is done by the creators of Money Book, while the Pennies review is done by user/reviewer. This gets to my final topic of this post, the Money Book people created a youTube video (4 actually, 2 about the development/evolution), while I couldn't find one by Pennies. Pennies does have a visual demonstration on their website, but the story ends there. Money Book has videos and a blog they follow closely, where they reveal their character and purpose not just of the app, but of themselves as well. As the reviewer in the Pennies app states, there are a few features that Pennies doesn't have which would be nice to see, like a notification when he is going over budget. Money Book doesn't have this feature either, they do have reasoning why they don't though. Noidentity's reasoning is presented to me in such a manner that I want to adopt it.

I've looked at other money management applications before (iXpense It and some app that I've forgotten the name), and I stopped using them because they were overly complex with their options. While some of the added features on these other applications might have been very useful, they weren't motivating. When Noidentity explained the reason for the icon of Money Book, I identified with that, I want a beautiful icon on my iPhone screen. I want an icon attractive enough that I put it on my home screen, and when its on my home screen, I use it more. I want it to function with just enough, that it doesn't create extra information, but simplifies what I already have. That is the success of Money Book, they've created an attractive, simple to use interface, that I want to use.

Money Book is a great example of interaction design, that extends beyond the interface. My aspirational goal, is that if I use this application, I will see where I am spending my money, and be able to adjust my spending according to other factors in my life. Measuring and visualizing is the the first step for me though, and this application will allow that. The combination of aspiration, interaction and measurement is the Behavioral Economic part of this post. Rationally, I should just keep track of my spending habits on my own, in a notebook, but I haven't been successful yet. Hopefully this is the game changer for me.

Gaming to Save the REAL World

2010-03-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Great TED talk by Jane McGonigal, seeing the more optimistic side of gaming. She says that gamers learn four things when playing games:
Urgent Optimism - the desire to act immediately believing in possible success.
Social Fabric - gaming creates trust between people.
Blissful Productivity - knowing we're happier working hard than doing nothing.
Epic Meaning - people love being attached to awe inspiring missions.

She says this creates empowered people who believe they can change the world... the virtual world. So, she's gone about designing some games that create more interaction with the real world. Amazing stuff. Check out her latest game experiment at Urgent Evoke, where by playing, you will learn social innovation skills, and get certified by the World Bank Institute if you complete the game! The Evoke Vimeo instructions voice narrator sounds like Splinter from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (not exactly the same, but similar). I signed up, because it can't hurt to play along for a while (I have some free time) and see what is going on.

Bioprinting Organs

2010-03-15T05:29:00.000-07:00

source: Adventures in Bioprinting

NPR does a short report on a 3D Organ Printer Prototype by Gabor Forgacs at the University of Missouri. See the University's website on Bioprinting here. While I think this is amazing, and am happy that it gives me a reason to link to a clip from the 5th Element, I'm not clear as to what is new news about this. The very smart people at the University of Missouri have been in the news about this for at least the last 5 years, and are self reported to be as equally far from initial human testing. I was hoping the article would mention a new break through, but it didn't. Sigh... it is a far off future indeed.

Design Process InfoGraphics

2010-03-13T23:00:00.000-08:00

A collection of information/visualization graphics of the design process from around the web. They are here for their variety in perspective and representation. Favorites are noted.

One of the most accurate infographics on chaotic human element the design process, "the squiggle" originally done by Damien Newman of Central Office. (This is a personal favorite)

Make Magazine's Online explanation of the design process is too the point, and if you visit the page, written out well. I agree with their cycle of build/evaluate/redesign.

I personally enjoy hand written diagrams such as this one from Life is a Design Thesis. The element that made it worth posting was explicitly noting that the design should answer the initial question.

Mike Ditullo's comparison of the written design process to how it actually happens, available at ThinkMakeDraw.

Taco Lab's iteration focused, sketchy design process. Very similar to the squiggle, I enjoy this one a lot.

Frog Design's process of Discover, Design and Deliver.

Dubberly's overly stylized design process infographic, that has a lot of useful elements when you get past the intense graphic.

Flow Interactive's User Center Design Process, promotes a continuous evaluation of designs.

Telono's User Centered Design process visualization.

Brannen's circular design process, with descriptions of each stage.

Funnel graphic of the design process by Goddard Technologies.

A design process that put a man on the moon, courtesy of NASA. It is actually an old challenge of theirs for student teams to build a plant chamber.

Akendi has interesting wording incorporated into their design process centered around human experience. Adding the person in the middle does a lot to say that they are human centered.

The group at Birdsong Creative incorporate celebration and many meetings in their design process.

From www.aiswebdesign.com, simple graphic, that leaves too much to consider and isn't explained on the website.

Source Design Against Crime, a beautiful graphic, that is not as intuitive as I'd like.

Source from Industrial Design Queensland, the top of a long graphic with detailed specifics of the design process. The description is mechanical, but a well documented project.

Zurb's Design process for Interaction design.

Anthony of Design Bit share's his web design process.

Pad Notes

2010-03-12T08:25:00.001-08:00

This is the application I have been waiting for on a computer. I need the ability to type and draw in the same document, and export PDFs. Does such a thing exist for Mac OSX? It would be nice to save myself $500.

Technology and Humanity

2010-03-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

I have come across a number of articles lately that talk about the intersection of Humanity and Technology. First, there is the Kevin Kelly's recent TED talk on How Technology Evolves, in which he clearly states that Technology is Humanity. I was convinced with the argument he has set up.

I came across this article on PSFK, on people liking Roomba's because they are like us (faulty). There is also discussion of how people are adjusting and incorporating technology into our lives by naming devices and humanizing them. This humanistic element as faulty can be seen the the 2008 Pixar movie Wall-E. The thing that makes the main character so lovable is that he is not operating exactly as programmed. He is an hyperbole today's Roomba, figuratively and literally. There are also subtexts to Wall-E that speak to the dehumanizing aspect of technology, specifically in a mechanization and homogenization of life.

The combination of these articles and meanderings reminded me the late 80s film, Robocop, by director Paul Verhoeven. Somewhere in the commentary track, Mr. Verhoeven notes that one of his goals with the film was a reaction to other films at the time that pitted man against machine. Robocop on the other hand, was about a man thrown into the middle of this evolution, who had to come to terms with himself as technology. I think a trend in films from man vs. machine to man & machine could be plotted, and we would see an increasing number of films with people coming to some kind of peace or mediation with humanity and technology (the Matrix trilogy, iRobot, Ghost in the Shell, Battlestar Galactica 2004 series, etc). The Terminator series, started by James Cameron, has a recently updated storyline through the TV show on USA (Sarah Connor Chronicles), that started to hint that in the future, not all machines wanted to destroy humans. Some it seemed would choose to aid humanity, and did not need to be reprogrammed.

image source spoiler tv

What does all this mean though? I think it supports Kevin Kelly's proposition that Humanity is Technology. Sometimes in the race to extend our grasp, we get so focused on the reach, that we forget why we are reaching (there are some great thoughts and subtexts to this in The Prestige, Battlestar Galactica, and Steamboy), and extend our hands hoping to grab anything that come along. Many of the films and shows I have sited, are full of warnings of the what happens when Humanity and Technology come to an intersection. More and more stories are forming conclusions and stories about how this intersection can be resolved in a win/win scenario rather than a zero sum game.

Luxury Changes People

2010-03-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

Harvard Business School study on the effect of Luxury on people (mindsets and outlooks). Quote from the article: "Luxury does not necessarily induce one to do harm to others, but simply causes one to be less concerned or considerate toward them."

Evolution for Advertising

2010-02-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

image via newslit.tv (credit unknown)

Interesting that people banded together to petition for the advertisement/re-model to stay at the train station. It is a sad that it got taken down. This could be inline with some blog posts I did some time ago (here and here), with various advertisers in the Boston area carpeting every single add in a station. Hopefully sponsored remodeling could be the next step in advertisement (and some of these atrocious posters can be taken down). This goes specifically to one of the articles cited in the previously linked posts of the Apple possibly subsidizing Chicago CTAs remodel.

How this might happen with a company like Homebase (think UK Home Depot for those in the states), makes a lot of sense, as that is their market offering, home (and now subway) improvement. How this fits into the market offering of Apple, is not as clear, but I'm sure many people would be excited (as I'm sure some would deplore it as well) to be in an Apple inspired metro station. Seeing how they might physically structure the space to reflect what they offer is intriguing. At the very least, I imagine there being free wireless.

Finally, I can imagine one minor detail that gets in the way of remodels like the one pictured above, and would worry companies like Homebase or Apple in having a permanent advertisement/remodel: MAINTENANCE. I'm lucky enough to live in Cambridge right now, and the metro's are kept extremely clean, very rarely is there a big mess. The place is still very dirty though, just by way of what it is. There are drink spills from time to time. Dirt and soot layers up high places, along walls and pipes. When it rains or snows, the ground becomes very wet and mucky. The Homebase remodel above, however appealing, would not last very long in such an environment. I'm not saying this is a deal breaker, only a challenge to overcome.

Hospital Infections

2010-02-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

A news article from NPR points out study about deaths related to hospital acquired infections. This is possible fuel to look into interesting solutions such as the Plasma Sterilizer. I particularly find this interesting because being around MIT, this years Yunus Challenge is about sanitation, focused on clean hands. In the kick off for this event, there was much talk about how hand washing might improve health or persons in developing world situations. One specific example was washing hands before eating to reduce fecal/oral contamination. I recently spoke with a person who works at a well known hospital here in the Boston area, and was surprised to hear that they had only recently achieved the standard for hand sanitation. Compliance is hard no matter where in the world people come from, technology and money alone are not enough in any environment.

Augmented ID

2010-02-23T01:59:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered TAT Augmented Reality through a Technology Review Article. It is an interesting proposition. However, the actual social interaction of using this currently looks awkward. Mobiles are an awkward enough subject/object of interaction during meetings, so the following youTube doesn't sell me on this. I'm not saying the technology is bunk because of this, only actual social integration needs to be polished more. People will most likely be awkward about it initially, I think there is an opportunity for some solutions in addition to just awesome technology though.

There was a great comic strip I saw online ( some time ago and can't find,) of a man approaching a woman at a bar, and she snaps a photo of him, and through facial recognition software, decides she doesn't want to talk because of his bad rating on yelp or the like. So the next step in all this facial recognition software, is deceiving it real time. I know that people have been able to use magazines photos to fool such imaging systems (Your Face is Not Your Password and Age Verification Fooled). How would that work in real time though, a digital ski mask?

UPDATE (2010.02.25): NPR Article on TAT Facial Recognition software, that draws out a scenario re-enforcing the need for my digital ski mask idea.

D-Lab Online

2010-02-22T18:51:00.000-08:00

I currently work at MIT's D-Lab, which is a program that fosters the development of appropriate technologies and sustainable solutions within the framework of international development. We have recently had a push to expand our communications to the outside world, which include a blog, updated weekly by instructors and a twitter feed. I would recommend for anyone interested in development (and particularly development education at Universities), to follow these feeds for a while to see if you like it. I was particularly impressed with a recent post on the D-Lab: Energy class which had students take a test by candlelight to get a different perspective on lighting situations experienced around the world.

Read the D-Lab Blog and/or follow the twitter @dlab_mit.

Interest vs Representation

2010-02-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

I just uploaded over 100 photos from my January trip to India. While going through them, I realized how difficult it is to select ones that accurately represent the place and experience. I feel compelled to post unique and interesting photos, but these do not always equal the day to day experience of a place. One idea that occurred was to take photos on the hour every hour, or on the half every half hour. So that regardless of what I was doing, there might be a greater representation of life and actions in a place, without the filter of "unique" upon it. Starting to brainstorm other ideas on how to go about this.

Stoves Around the World

2010-02-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

I recently uploaded about 92 photos to my flickr account from my travels between Southern California to Africa to India, all around the topic of documenting stoves. It is something I plan to continue to do throughout my travels around the world. See what I have so far here, Stove Photos.

I recently worked with an MIT student, Olin Professor, local Welder and NGO in India on designing a stove. It was more of a research project towards the eventual design of a stove. A prototype ended up being built, that taught everyone involved a good amount about stove design. Through this experience, we used the Rocket Stove design principles as one of our main guides towards fuel efficient stove design. It is worth a read, you can download it here, design principles for wood burning cook stoves.

Back From India

2010-02-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

After a week of re-integrating, I am unpacked and ready to start posting photos and observations from my trip to Uttarakhand (a state north of Delhi, in mountainous India). I visited a few NGOs and the villages and slums that they work with. There were many friendly people, and at least 40 cups of tea on this trip.

Message

2009-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

I saw this sign on the train, and wondered what the effect is. The trains in Boston aren't particularly dirty, they're clean most of the time in fact. From time to time, there are newspapers or Dunkin' Donuts coffee cups or bags and other random items.

My hypothesis, is that most people keep the train clean, not because it is their tax dollars, but because they have a personal belief of the need to do so. These people were brought up to pick up after themselves. From time to time, accidents are bound to happen, a person might forget a coffee cup like they might forget a glove or a phone on the seat. Given that I rarely see trash on the T (the Boston train system), there are a few reasons for this. One, as already said, people have a personal desire to keep the area clean. Two, people sometimes leave trash, and it is an honest accident. Three, people carelessly leave trash. The division between the a careless person and an honest accident is unknown to me, and I don't have much basis for deciding what the percentage of each might be.

Back to the sign. Who is it targeting? Is it thanking people who would have already picked up after themselves? Is it reminding people who are on the fence about whether or not to wait until the train station to dispose of something? Is it aimed at blatant litterers who might consider otherwise upon reading that their tax money is at work to pick up after them?

I don't think the last thought is the purpose of this sign. Any one who sees this sign, might see the tax dollars as money they've already spent. They're already getting taxed in many different forms, who is to say which one goes towards cleaning up the T, or how much. What is the chance that a publicly maintained clean T will result in lower taxes? (This was one of the immediate thoughts that was in my head when I first saw this sign)

I think there are opportunities to have a more directed and interesting sign in place of this one. It could impart a similar message, in a different form. One possibility is the exclusion of the sign all together.

More Ads

2009-12-22T15:31:00.000-08:00

Another T Station ad space buy out. This time by Macy's in the Downtown Crossing station. I wonder if ad spaces are getting cheaper or these large buy in's command a significant discount. I do appreciate the element of uniformity of seeing all the ads together (even if I don't care for the ads themselves).

Appropriate Tools

2009-12-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

A Boston Public Works employee appropriates two screwdrivers to remove a street hatch. I am curious as to what the original designer thought might be used to open up such a hatch. Additionally, if new or old screwdrivers are used, and how such use effects durability. Finally, I am curious if this employee was shown this technique, or improvised it.

After removing the cover, he examined the hole for about 4-5 seconds, and then replaced the cover, by stomping it down with his foot.

First Snow

2009-12-18T08:21:00.001-08:00

From the night of one of the first snowfalls this winter season in Cambridge.

Brussel Sprout Tower

2009-12-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken a few weeks ago, and the stem was placed in a flower arranging base. When standing up, it looks something like a smoke plum. I had only recently seen brussel sprouts in this kind of arrangement over the past year. It is odd to think that I have been so out of touch with what something I ingest into my body looks like in its natural form. It is something of a leap of faith many people in urban areas take everyday with the various foods we eat and technologies we trust.

Happiness

2009-12-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

Just take the outbound train in the opposite of its intended direction, and you'll be able to find it. It's hard to argue against this kind of graffiti. (It has since been removed, I think they tagger used an expo marker)

Sulfur

2009-12-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

This is a processing plant of Conoco Phillips Inc in California that can be viewed from an Amtrak train. The bright yellow mountain in the center of the photo is sulfur. It glows fluorescent in the middle of the day.

Mr. Daily Talk

2009-12-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Mr. Daily Talk (Alfred Sirleaf of Liberia, read more about him in this NY Times Article) talks to Erik Hersman, of Afrigadget, at Maker Faire Africa about how he crafts his chalkboard news.

Springfield

2009-11-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

This isn't where the Simpsons call home, but Springfield, MA is close enough for me now.

Konogo Market

2009-11-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

A market in Konogo, Ghana. This place was pretty intense. And being a foreigner (among 10 others) we attracted a big crowd of people who were as interested in us, as we were in the them. Especially when some members of the group started purchasing cloth.

It's not always like this though, most every other day of the week is an empty space. Very similar to how a Farmer's Market in the US comes together and will be a different landscape the next day.

Energy Demand

2009-11-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, I participated in the SF to LA Aids Lifecycle. It was seven days of cycling with about 2000+ people, that meant camping in public parks every night. This photo was a common sight every night as everyone's energy starved gadgets searched for as much replenishment as the riders themselves. There is an opportunity here, as there are few affordable and well disseminated solutions to this problem.

Second Look

2009-11-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is a street vendor's setup in Adum, a main section of downtown Kumasi, Ghana. I was impressed by the organization and stacking of all the items. Upon re-inspecting the photo, I found myself asking a number of questions that I had not thought of while in there. The first question, which leads me to to many others, is: does the vendor set this up every day? That prompts a number of other thoughts, such as the care and dedication that must be applied if it is set up everyday. The other option is equally compelling, because if it isn't set up everyday, who watches it every night? There is another alternative to watching it every night, which is that most everything is sold each day. In which, it is set up everyday with care and attention.

Street Conditions

2009-11-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is what a typical street in Accra looks like. There are a numer of paved streets in the city, yes. In my experience in the city, more than 50% of the streets look like this. It makes simple things like traveling 5 miles by car take that much longer than someone from the States might think. Streets like this also results in more wear-and-tear on the cars (one driver of a Tro-Tro, taxi/bus, said that these vans last about 5 to 10 years because of the roads). Unpaved roads also makes the ride that much bumpier, and at some points a 2 car road narrows to a one car road because of street conditions.

This is something I never considered until arriving there and realizing it in person. I was told that in the 19402 the road from Whittier, California to Los Angeles was in similar conditions. Meaning a trip from the farm (yes, farm) to deliver produce to grocers was a 2 hour trip, rather than the 15 to 20 minute ride it can be today (ideally, over congestion has managed to expand the time this trip takes. Amazing what can happen over the course of time, and the cycle of objects moving through space.

Photo from Old Memories of Los Angeles

Blanket Advertising

2009-11-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

When I got to the T station this morning, Flip had bought out the entire Harvard Square Inbound station advertising banners. A few weeks ago, Adidas had done something similar (though they bought out the entire station). I really didn't care for the Adidas Ad, in fact, I found it offensive and was glad when their lease was up. These Flip Ads are going to make for some interesting mornings with their bright blues in the fairly muted subway. I've read that Apple may subsidize Chicago CTA's remodel, which won't be such a bad thing by my standards (I find the simplicity of Apple Ads bearable and preferable to alternatives). I am fine with these steps being taken for cities to continue to offer public transportation. Not sure what to do when the advertising is offensive as with the Adidas experience.

Obama Condoms

2009-11-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

I bought the deluxe pack of three. Will share the photo later. It turns out, the girl selling these originally started out by buying three herself. Then after looking the condoms up online, found out she could become a seller, and the pay is quite good. It is an interesting market niche.

Barefoot

2009-11-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

While in Accra, Ghana I photographed this item, one of the most frightening things one can come across while walking barefoot on the beach. It didn't help that I went on a waste treatment tour the day before, only to watch thousands of gallons of fecal matter be emptied into the sea.

Fire House

2009-11-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

It was a crisp clear Autumn night.

South for the Winter

2009-11-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

I filmed them because I don't see this everyday in where I'm originally from. It was my moment of zen for the weekend.

Sachet Water

2009-11-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

Sachet water is a popular way to purchase water in Ghana, Africa (as well as other places in the world). It is a business for people to go around selling individually for as little as 5 pesewas (about 2 US cents). The companies who make and distribute these bags have interesting names like Girls Girls Water and pictured above Skywalker. The issue of what to do with the sachets is an issue. Many of them end up on the street littering the ground. In some places, the idea of items made from something other than naturally available, local materials is something new. It is cultural norm to throw toss these traditional items away on the floor, because their material and manufacture is not much of an issue for the environment. Plastic represents a material that doesn't behave in a way that culture has adapted to.

Tub Planter

2009-11-05T07:09:00.001-08:00

Found on the streets of Williamsburg, New York. Re-use of multiple materials in a public space for a double take moment. I imagine it brings a fair amount of peace to the caretaker as well. Makes me rethink all those couches, loung chairs and cabinets left on the side of streets. What if they were turned into planters or other functional landscape elements as well?

Four Weeks Ago

2009-11-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

Harvad Street, four weeks ago. The leaves have since fallen off, and the ground feels much colder because of the crisp air.

In the Woods

2009-11-03T12:32:00.001-08:00

Taken at the Arnold Arboretum in Forest Hills, Massachusetts.

Street Paving at Night

2009-11-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

Street paving at night in Cambridge. The way the lights on the machine highlight particular aspects of the machine are something out of a space opera.

Everyday Items

2009-10-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Some of the everyday items from a bar keeper in Ghana, Africa. I enjoy the placement of the toothbrush next to the New Testament in the nesting spot of where this gentleman's daily ritual objects go. They lay on a shelf right next to his door, to the back of his bar. The bar itself has a about a 12' x 12' floor plan, and his serving space is only about 4' x 4' of that.

Tool vs Toy

2009-10-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while for various reasons. First, I was in Africa with extremely limited connection for two months. While posting was a job task by some standards, the difficulty of dealing with slow upload times and intermittent connections, hindered that to a few posts. Second, I moved into an apartment with no internet connection.

Now, there is internet at work. When I am at work, I have been quite good about using my time for work, including what I do on the internet. And I rarely stay later to browse the internet and stumble upon new things. As I sat here today, I realized, I wasn't treating the internet like a toy or with the casualness of play anymore. Not having access to it all the time, made it into a tool.

When resources are scarce, it is difficult to experiment and come up with innovative uses of them. On the other hand, scarcity does promote extorting as much as one came from resources available. This thought brought me back to my time in Africa, and some conversations I had with people about the digital divide. In its most extreme and simplified form, there are two poles that these resources will swing too. There will be zero innovation, as the cost of it is too high. The alternative is extreme innovation, as the cost of not doing so is high.

So, why do these observations matter? And what am I going to do about it? How am I going to turn insight into action?

Observing and participating in the digital divide in Africa made me realize the need for bricks and mortar institutions to exist. Information may exist on the web, but unless it is accessible, it doesn't really exist. So, I am now working on a plan to build appropriate technology workshops in developing nations.

IDDS 2009 Video

2009-08-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is a video/slideshow of IDDS 2009, compiled from videos and photos taken during the event. It's meant to give people a rough idea of all the various aspects that make up the International Development Design Summit.

Adumkrom

2009-07-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

20090712_AdumkromChief_017, originally uploaded by Chef Cooke.

IDDS had its first ever village visit (July 11-13), which has been appropriately described by others as an event within an event. The organizers of IDDS successfully coordinated for over 70 people to visit 10 rural villages around Ghana for three days to do hands on research for the current Design Challenges. Cheers to them, because it was an amazing and invaluable experience.

Along with nine other participants and trip leaders, I visited Adumkrom, as village of only 300 people, about an hour from Kumasi. The most amazing thing about the village was the night time. Lacking electricity, it was extremely dark, in a manner I have never experienced before. One could look to the sky and see stars that don't exist anymore in the Los Angeles or other light polluted city skylines. There were no light posts or porch lights, most people were in their houses and asleep by the time night fell. Some people had LED lights or kerosene lanterns, such as the shop on the main road that sold eggs, alcohol and bread into the night.

The three days spent at Adumkrom was packed with a combination of tourism and research. After an initial meeting with the Chief and his cabinet, the IDDS participants were greeted with open arms, and had the cooperation of the every village. Everyone I came across had a smile and was willing to help improve my Twi beyond saying hello and asking how they were. For the project I am working on at IDDS, Sean (a Rice De-stoning teammate) and myself were lucky enough to see a rice field, talk to the farmer in charge, watch someone remove the stones in a gold pan method, talk to various villagers about their eating habits, and visit the local town to see a rice mill and buy rice samples from the market. On the tourist side of the event, I saw many activities of the Adumkrom's occupants; cassava grating and pounding for fufu (a staple food), palm oil making, the local school, talking to the village pastor, hearing talking drums, learn about the process for making Gari (a porridge like item), meet the local Maker (inventor), attempt to pump water from the well, stir banku in a kettle, construct a bamboo roof segment and much more.

Writing all that down surprises me even now as to all that was accomplished in such a short time. I can't emphasis enough the power of just being in the place. Small realizations that were finally drilled into my head, such as the fact that cassava and plantain are the main staple in this region. There is no local supermarket to get out of season grapes, strawberries or berries. Walking around the village at (roughly) 4:30pm to see that over half the women are preparing cassava to make Fufu. I will hold this experience close to heart for a good amount of time to come.

Akwaaba! Welcome

2009-07-07T21:58:00.001-07:00

20090707_ParticipantArrival_077, originally uploaded by Chef Cooke.

With the exception of a few participants held up at airports, most everyone is now in Kumasi, Ghana for IDDS 2009. The past week has been crazy getting ready for everything, and the work is far from over. I could feel myself getting more excited with the arrival of most of the participants. It means meeting diverse and passionate people, working on fun projects, playing games, sharing meals and stories, and loads more.

Ghana so far has been interesting. I went to downtown Kumasi the other day. It reminds me of South East Asia, while being nothing like it. The sidewalks are packed with people go to and fro. One of the most amazing sights is how people carrying things on their heads. Not being from here, its surprises me every time to view the sense of balance Ghanaians have.

20090706_downtown_039, originally uploaded by Chef Cooke.

I visited the downtown area looking for supplies for IDDS, and spent a good 5 or 6 hours searching for a small list of items. An extension cord longer than 3 meters seems to be a rare (though not unavailable) item. If you can't find what you are looking for, its very acceptable to stop and ask just about anybody if they have an idea where you might find the local bike shop for example. It is quite refreshing to be asking anyone for assistance.

Ghana

2009-07-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ghana has been amazing so far. Everyone is very kind, and whenever I walk anywhere, I stop and talk to at least ten people. The weather fluctuates between hot summer days and sudden heavy downpours. Building up to the rain, is a heave and muggy humidity that breaks with cool refreshing breezes only minutes before everything is saturated with wetness and wind. After which, cool air comes off the freshly watered ground. This makes for beautiful mornings that energize and inspire one to start the day.

While in Kumasi, I (and fellow IDDS organizers and participants) will be staying at the Tek Credit Union Hostel on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology campus. It's a very large and seemingly diverse campus, with an interesting Ceramics program that I need to check out before leaving in two months. Getting ready for IDDS 2009 has been a non stop enjoyable job. From going into downtown Kumasi, to walking up and down five floors searching for a particular team member, or walking around the entire KNUST campus looking for an internet card.

I would love to upload some video of the place, because it describes so much. Unfortunately, the internet connection is too slow to accommodate video, so it shall have to wait until I return stateside. Until then, I have uploaded photos on my flickr account.

Also, check out the IDDS website, and Niall's blog documenting everyday of the summit with beautiful prose.

Going to Ghana

2009-06-27T09:12:00.001-07:00

I leave at 5:25pm New York time today for Accra, Ghana Africa. To participate in IDDS (International Development Design Summit) 2009, working on technologies to aid people living on less than $1 a day. I will be blogging about it here on this site, and posting photos on flickr.

To get an idea of what happens at IDDS, here is my records form last years event IDDS 2008.

Worm Compost

2009-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

I have been doing research on making a worm compost bin, and the following are the most interesting videos I've found on YouTube for both design and information.

This next one is just sure to give some small child nightmares. And also seems to be somewhat deceptive as to the ability of a compost bin.

I found this pedal power mulcher as part of a related subject.

Unplugging the Fridge

2009-02-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

The NY Times has interesting article on Trashing the Fridge. Steve Kurutz, the writer, brings up the fact of eco-conscious people polarizing around giving up the fridge being a badge of commitment. He also brings up the argument that when considering the entire life-cycle (the food in the fridge, driving to the store, etc) around a refrigerator, they might be worth more than the convenience.

Energy Star refrigerators use about $40 worth of energy a year, while a mini fridge uses $6, so other factors start to weigh in much more. One might be driving to the store more frequently to buy fresh food, and another is food packaging from purchasing smaller quantities.

My own research shows that a bigger concern than energy, is the amount of food waste that gets disposed of in the average American home. Americans waste 14% of their food purchases, that is food that gets purchased and thrown away before it is consumed. That represents about $43 billion dollars nationally, and averages $590 for a four person family. Info from SoundVision.

Design A Day: Sponge Pillow

2009-01-18T22:00:00.001-08:00

The sponge pillow would be great for going to sleep with wet hair. Theoretically, it would also absorb your dreams during the night, which you could then squeeze out the next day in a cup. And if you so choose, you could ingest your dreams to remember them again, or wash your hands with them to be done with confusing thoughts. The stand by of sponge designs is helping me out in this time of idea shortage. Like a faucet being turned... oh, that gives me an idea.

Design A Day: Smoking Watch

2009-01-15T13:37:00.001-08:00

Using the cigarette as means to tell the passage of time. I enjoy watching the passage of time through the decay of something. I don't enjoy cigarettes though.

Design A Day: Sponge Bed

2009-01-14T21:43:00.001-08:00

Another sponge idea. It would be good for hot climates, one could water the bed before going to sleep, and the evaporation would help to cool you down throughout the night.

Design A Day: Sprout Sponge

2009-01-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

The Sprout Sponge is designed to have strategically placed openings to place seeds for sprouting. Sprouts are an excellent source of nutrition. With the Sprout Sponge, a person could purchase the seeds in bulk and create a handful of seeds everyday by adding a little water to the sponge to supplement their diet in a natural means. (A sponge probably doesn't even have to be designed for this, you could go out and do this right now with a regular sponge).

Design A Day: Milkshake Tshirt

2009-01-12T14:26:00.001-08:00

The concept for this t-shirt originates from the film There Will Be Blood. If you saw the movie, you understand. The straw that comes off the t-shirt can be sucked on to create the slurping sound of an empty glass, so that people around you know who gets the last drop.

2009-01-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Design A Day: Fire Prevention

2009-01-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

This is to protect houses in Southern California from the seasonal brush fires. The heat from the fire triggers balloons to inflate in the house, lifting it up and away from the flames. The hotter the fire, the greater the inflation. Its a natural reactionary system, that will act in kind to the threat at hand.

2009-01-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

2009-01-05T17:43:00.001-08:00

2009-01-04T19:22:00.001-08:00

Design A Day: Coffin Bookshelf

2009-01-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

This one is a two for one. A Coffin Bookshelf will be the only bookshelf you need. It constantly reminds to carefully examine how much you possess, because you can't take it with you. It has a function of organizing the items you do end up owning. Then, at the end of your life, the coffin aspect becomes functional as all items are cleared and willed away to others, and you inhabit it. It's made of sustainably harvested douglas fir from Oregon.

2009-01-02T21:37:00.001-08:00

Design A Day: Exacto Earrings

2009-01-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

This is what I do with all my left over Exacto blades that don't give a clean edge while cutting foam core.

2009-01-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

Photoshop Sketch

2008-12-30T22:33:00.000-08:00

Photoshop Sketch

2008-12-29T21:16:00.001-08:00

Design A Day: Cell Phone Privacy Mask

2008-12-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

Do you find yourself cupping your mouth in public spaces while talking on a cell phone? Do you often long for the privacy and convenience of being on the phone at home while out and about? Well now you can, with the bluetooth enabled Privacy Face Mask. Muffle the sounds of your awkward conversations so people on the Metro don't eavesdrop anymore. (iPhone and Blackberry compatible)

Design A Day: Plant Word Dry Erase Word Bubble

2008-12-27T01:10:00.001-08:00

This just came to me at 1am in the morning. Let your plants remind you of things by sticking the dry erase board in the pot. I was reminded of friends who say they talk to their plants. And while I haven't began having conversations with mine, my one indoor English Ivy does have a name, Steve. What would Steve's first words of conversation be?

Design A Day: Spring Lamp

2008-12-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

This design works best with CFL bulbs. Once those are phased out by LEDs, or some as yet undiscovered technology, I'll have to revisit the concept. It should be possible to power this with magnetic induction by dropping a magnet down the center of the coil.

Design A Day: Flavor Dice

2008-12-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

Can't decide what to have for a drink, or dinner, or a late night snack? Try out the flavor dice. Roll the dice to find out what random combination you should try. From the top, a pear martini, avocado popcorn, and habanero oreo. Originally created as a personal project for Scoops Ice Cream, where the owner asks customers to suggest flavor combinations for ice cream.

Design A Day: Hand Cuff Watch

2008-12-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

The actual watch would not be connected with handcuff links. The idea originally came from thinking about time as a restriction, then making a device that mimicked the way ones arms are held together while in handcuffs. The hours would read out on one arm, while the minutes would read out on another. This also gives the user the option of seeing the time very specifically, by looking at the minutes, or generally, by looking at the hour.

Design A Day: Empty/Full Measuring Cup

2008-12-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

If you look at the measuring cup from one side, its half empty, and from the other, its half full. Its been done before, I needed to get this out of my system though. Done, and move on to the next one.

Design A Day: Pie Cup

2008-12-20T16:48:00.001-08:00

After almost twenty four hours of Twin Peaks, this is the design I have for today.

Art Center Testifies Before Congress

2008-12-19T16:29:00.001-08:00

Art Center testifies before Congress. Geoff Wardle, Director of Advanced Mobility Research testifies before Congress on the bailout and exploring energy independence implications. This is amazing, what other design college gets to testify about the future of transportation? I particularly enjoy during the first video when Chairman Edward J. Markey calls Wardle an idealist.

Link to the government archive:
Auto Bailout Hearing to Explore Energy Independence Implications

Design A Day: Sponge Utensils

2008-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

Now you can literally clean your plate, or so the advert for this might read.

Good Bye Lucky

2008-12-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

found via minor details

Design A Day: Sponge Chair

2008-12-18T19:41:00.001-08:00

There really isn't much of an explanation beyond what the design is. Sponges can be soft and comfortable. Why not make it into a chair? Also, it would absorb anything that got spilled on it, which might not be such a bad thing. This is the 25th of at least 50 sponge ideas.

Design A Day: Hanging Lamp

2008-12-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

This lamp can be put out with the clothes on a sunny day, then brought in at night to provide light inside the house. It might also be hanged out on a porch or apartment deck.

Design A Day: Wine Storage

2008-12-16T23:14:00.000-08:00

This concept is a wine and bread/cracker (maybe even cheese) storage unit that is in the shape of the cross. There's also space for Reidel glasses in the top. There's not much more too it than that, other than the religious references. This idea was one in a series of ideas while designing a refrigerator for a class project. It wasn't usable for the class, but works great here.

This Design A Day series is started by Robert as sort of design calisthenics.

More Good, Not Less Bad

2008-12-01T23:56:00.000-08:00

A concept that seems simple enough to think about, and yet so difficult to execute in today's world. We have to keep trying.

How and Why To Be Unreasonable

2008-11-22T00:25:00.000-08:00

From The DO Lectures, I'm in love with videos lately.

Failure

2008-11-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

I just found this on You Tube. Perfect.

Break the Water Bottle Habit

2008-10-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

I pledge to Break the Bottled Water Habit by Thinking Outside the Bottle and using a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water. I also pledge to support the efforts of local officials to stop spending public funds on bottled water and prioritize strong public water systems over bottled water profits.

Break the Bottled Water Habit

via No Impact Man

Real Goods Brick and Mortar Store Trip

2008-09-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

The 1 million dollar solar array, that paid for itself in 5 years, and now earns $55,000 a year. It generates enough electricity to power 60 homes for a year.

An off the grid merry-go-round. I believe it is the first solar powered merry-go-round.

A hand powered washing machine, that I'm told doesn't work too well. That does mean there is a design opportunity!

This was an installation piece to make a living wall.

Interestingly enough, the wall was made of styrofoam, and painted to look like rocks. Find out more information at tesselation.com.

An LED light bulb, that will emit an equivalent rated 40W luminescence. It will out last a CFL Bulb by at least 30 years. The cost is $40 right now, worth it for its life span and energy savings.

Train Across America (4/4)

2008-08-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

Train Across America (3/4)

2008-08-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Waking up to cows in the middle of America.

Granola and soy milk (sorry cows) for breakfast.

Another processing plant along the route of the train ride.

An irrigation system that moves across the field. There were many of this along the trip, and they were at least 100 yards long!

The train stop in Boulder, Colorado. We were allowed to walk around the station, and the immediate area looked like an interesting walkable place.

Heading into the Colorado mountains, and a little rainfall.

Rafters going down the Colorado River. There was a group that mooned the train later on (my camera wasn't fast enough though).

At the station in Colorado Springs. It looked like a great place to come and vacation some day. And it's easily accessible by train!

Train Across America (2/4)

2008-08-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Waking up to a graveyard, somewhere in Indiana.

America is full of corn. During the train ride, a good portion of Indiana, Illinois and Iowa were full of corn fields.

The train station in Chicago.

Stumbling upon Farmer's Market in downtown Chicago.

Stumbling upon the "bean" in Millennial Park.

More Corn.

Sunset in Iowa.

Train Across America (1/4)

2008-08-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

Settling in to two seats on a train.

A long bridge somewhere in Philadelphia.

The train station in Baltimore.

A beautiful overcast sky in Baltimore.

An afternoon snack of Apple Sauce. Two People were able to survive on about $55 dollars of food for the duration of 4 days on this train trip.

I believe this is a river somewhere in West Virginia or Pennsylvania.

Sunset on the first day in Pennsylvania.

IDDS Final

2008-08-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

All ten groups presented their final ideas today. I'll try and post on that later on. One of the more notable things that happened was a presentation by one of the participants, Suprio Das, who was elected by the rest of us to speak about the experience here at IDDS. I wish to someday be as elegant with words as he is.

IDDS Monday

2008-08-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Today was a work day and ended with Participant Presentations. There were two articles in the Boston Herald on IDDS. One on the $12 Computer the other on Inventions to Save the Day, which includes a photo teammates Bernard and Joshua.

IDDS (!)

2008-07-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

The Charcoal Crushing group takes a late afternoon break for ice cream, cookies and conversation.

Sumit attempts to fly around D-Lab like a chicken...

Sunil gets serious by putting a lab coat on.

Charcoal Crushers casting concrete rollers.

Preview of the concrete rollers variations.

IDDS is full of too much stuff to do. So much knowledge to take in. More interesting people than I have time to get to know! Today we had a presentation by Kurt Kornbluth that was a little bit about the design process, a little bit about his work at UC Davis, and lot of spilled water everywhere. The projects he presented on lighting and energy storage were awesome enough to get me thinking I might have to work on a Masters at UC Davis to try and be part of them. Four tips for design; build often and early, quantify results, will it pay for itself, and 'sure, you'll sell a million, but how are you going to do that?'

The middle of the day had presentation by Kate Lessard of Foundation Relations at MIT. She informed participants about the different avenues to pursue for funding projects and went into detail about how to work with Foundations for funding charitable organizations. Her basic list went something like this:

What problem will you solve?
Who will be served?
How many people will be served?
Why now?
How will you measure impact?
How will you sustain the project (what will happen in the long run)?
What is your budget?

Something that wasn't on the list, that is very relevant though, is that it is good to develop a relationship with the Foundation you're working with. This helps to make sure both yours and the Foundations goals are aligned, and assist to maximize the projects potential.

Finally, in the evening, there was a presentation by TIE Boston, Social Entrepreneur division on Global Crisis for Water and Sanitation. It had panel speakers from Coca Cola, Oxfam and an MIT professor, and was moderated by Lotika Paintal. I found Lotika's presentation on her newly formed venture, Water Centric to be most interesting.

IDDS Bikes Not Bombs

2008-07-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was a work day for IDDS participants, so we could get our hands dirty building prototypes and whatever else needed to get done. We also got to visit Bikes Not Bombs for a presentation and potluck dinner. This organization collects old bicycles and uses them as an alternative to destruction as a form of foreign policy. Shaibu, one of the IDDS participants, presented the Global Alliance for Africa and the work thats being done in his home country of Tanzania. Carlos from Maya Pedal presented the amazingly crafted work he's been doing in Guatemala.

Suprio working on the Human Power Generation project.

Some quality craftsmanship work by Joshua, for our group's new Charcoal Grinder.

Inside of a expanded steel lined PVC pipe, this is a mold for casting a concrete grinder.

Welding some of the parts for the Charcoal Crusher.

Bernard doesn't need a mask when welding... or gloves.

Thalia presenting one of the neatly organized tool walls at Bikes Not Bombs.

Laura Stupin doing a short introduction of IDDS at Bikes Not Bombs.

Bernard and Shaibu happily fielding questions about their work in Tanzania.

Carlos presenting his finely crafted work at Maya Pedal.

IDDS Charcoal Burn

2008-07-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

As long as we're having a fire, we might as well have some s'mores.

Vegetarian Sausage Alien!

Amy Smith pioneers egg on a skewer.

It worked! And tasted great!

Sorting out and weighing carbonized corn cobs is a dirty job.

The Charcoal Crushing group I am working in needed more charcoal to crush, so we woke up early this morning to do an 8am burn [I'll have to explain the process later]. The day was mostly a work day, and we got a lot accomplished in preparing for design modifications. Also of note was a luncheon hosted by MIT PSC (Public Service Center), where they had organizers act as facilitators to get feedback from participants on how PSC might improve in the future. From supporting students going abroad, to what students should expect to put in and get out of such endeavors. It resulted in some very good conversation. The group I was in started talking about the need for design and skills of students to be applied locally as well as abroad (and indeed, much of what MIT PSC does is in the local Cambridge area). We did agree on the catalytic effect of students going abroad, the spark it sets off in both the student and visiting community that we as individuals have power to make change.

There was also a wonderful dinner where participants shared photos, artifacts, stories and jokes from their cultures. It was a good way to hear from people who I haven't had the chance to talk to on a more individual basis. In combination with the lunch earlier in the day, it reminded me of the value IDDS has in being a month long summit to allow individuals of different backgrounds to really get to know each other (and even this is just a glimpse).

Grudge match before a late night of ultimate frisbee.

IDDS Humdinger

2008-07-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

Today's lecture started off on some final design considerations participants should consider for our projects. It was Design for Affordability, Manufacturability, Reuse and Failure. This was demonstrated with $3 Drip Irrigation System by Paul Polak, Kurt Kornbluth showed us a low cost wheel chair, and Amy Smith showed us images of road side workshops in Guatemala.

The Charcoal Crushing group that I'm with got to talk to the group at MIT that has been in charge of developing the concepts for Corn Cob charcoal today. The meeting was informing, and gave us a good set of solid parameters to aim for. Here is our updated charcoal crusher:

There are a series of minor tweaks that now need to be made, the ground charcoal results are very promising though. The person with the microphone, who's name I didn't get, is from NPR, possibly doing a story on IDDS. I will find out her name and show, as I need to send her images and videos. Sorry for not knowing now.

That wasn't all though, we had an amazing lecture/demonstration by Shawn Fayne of Humdinger Wind Technology. He talked to us about Confluent Technology, and showed us examples with SODIS Bags and Aeroelastic Flutter Technology. The small scale wind power technology Humdinger is working on is awesome. I can't wait to go home and build my own Windbelt generator.

IDDS Random

2008-07-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Spent most of the day working in the lab on a Charcoal Crusher. While there though, Amy Smith showed Jessica and I a soda can stove. Which was amazing! And now a video of the Charcoal Crusher the group I'm in has been working on here at the summit.

IDDS Guest Speakers

2008-07-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

Thursday was really packed, with a follow up lecture by Paul Hudnut. There was also a presentation by Ruth Mufute, of Africare. One of the most interesting things she said, was in response to a question about how do husbands feel about women empowerment in Africa. She said she still respects the traditions of her culture, even though she may fly to America, and give lectures, she'll still show respect towards her in-laws by bowing down when she meets them. There was something in the manner she related this to us that was very powerful.

Harish Hande, of Selco, talked about his experience from providing solar lighting for people in India. And now his company is moving into energy services, and the different ways they can provide those for customers who have previously been disregarded. Among his key points; barriers are functions of human resources, not technology; money is best put towards services and letting word of mouth speak for itself, over unreliable marketing; increasing production doesn't increase income, creating market linkages makes a difference, and finally answer a real customer need, sub par answers will only last for so long.

IDDS Potluck

2008-07-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

Paul Hudnut, of Colorado State University and Envirofit, talked to the participants about designing for dissemination. Distilled to the simplest form, people have to ask 1) what sucks? and 2) what are you going to do about it? We need to start viewing problems as opportunities. It was a good talk in all, and I really respect what he's done with Envirofit.

The IDDS Potluck later that night was massive. People running from dorm to dorm looking for spatula's! Chopping onions with butter knives and looking for extra canola oil. There was food from Zambia, Tanzania (mmm red bean soup), Malawi (have to get the recipe), Guatemalan deserts, English scones, India, Mexico... and much more.

Deepa slicing, I mean stabbing stabbing some onions.

Zambians (and Jessica) making some N-shima.

Guatemalan deserts (plantain with a mole like paste inside).

Charcoal Biscuits (a bit gritty, and sweeter than you'd expect).

Sumit and his Mango Lassi concoction (it went fast).

A view of the table setting.

Another view of one of the table spreads.

IDDS Experimentation

2008-07-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Most of today was spent working in groups. We were briefed at the beginning of the day on various means of mock-ups, ranging from chip board, to foam core, to actual materials for user test feasibility. Since I don't have much time for words, I'll let some of the videos and and pictures speak for themselves.

Hand rolling over the charcoal cobs.

We need to crush this much charcoal in a minute to be successful.

I just found this use of the laptop as piano notes far to interesting to pass up the documentation opportunity.

We were lucky enough to be invited to Design Continuum for dinner, presentations and a small tour. It was a bit odd to go from the projects at IDDS to see some of the work at Design Continuum. They say they are focused on human behavior and client success, and made a push towards sustainability, see their 2007 Footprint. I have mixed feelings about the place, I'll follow up on this post-IDDS.

IDDS Concept Selection, Empty Boxes and Grocery Shopping

2008-07-21T21:32:00.001-07:00

Amy and Ben performing an example of selling a product based its features, in an exercise to help groups better understand what they are designing.

Free Books, I can't wait to read The Power of Unreasonable People!

Serious and unsuspecting shoppers.

They're always after me lucky charms!

Zambians discussing what they're going to make.

The chaotic grouping at the communal checkout stand!

Don't forget Niall's blog iddsummit.blogspot.com

IDDS Bike to Walden Pond

2008-07-20T22:02:00.001-07:00

The Sunday bike trip to Walden Pond was wonderful. Going down the Minute Man path was scenic and beautiful. Upon finally reaching Walden Pond, we were greeted with a sight I did not think to imagine. A serene fresh water pond that was the perfect temperature for a post bike ride swim. The thunderstorm in the middle of the swim was a more than welcome addition that heightened the experience.