Posts Tagged ‘innovation’

Innovation to go

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

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David Tunnicliffe


What is it: A crowd sourcing website which allows those in search of new ideas to harness the power of the ‘global mind’.  A company, or presumably individual, with an innovation need can state their requirement which then attracts the attention of creative types who busy themselves addressing the issue.  A kind of ‘one-night-stand’ opportunity for those with intermittent rather than ongoing innovation needs.

Why is it cool: If we think of humanity as a kind of holistic organic melange of experience and ideas, this is a great way to draw on the powers of the collective brain.

Where to find it: here!

Submitted by: David Tunnicliffe

Innovation hothouse

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

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Hilde Swendgaard

What is it: Shedding was once seen as the domain of retired men escaping their wives, but now the shed is providing an inexpensive venue for developing creative ‘cottage’ industries.

Why is it cool: No longer is shedding perceived as something to be ashamed of, it’s become a very cool way to conduct business in an economic climate of restraint and keeping it real.

Where to find it: here!

Submitted by: Hilde Swendgaard

The snack boat

Monday, June 28th, 2010

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John Cucka


What is it: World food giant, Nestle, has invested in a floating supermarket, which will plie the rivers of the Amazon to reach remote communities, who they see as an emerging market opportunity.

Why is it cool: In terms of innovative thinking, it’s hard to fault Nestle. The strongest growth in food and bev sales is in emerging markets, so locking their loyalty early is a valid strategy. The use of a floating supermarket to reach remote communities is similarly a creative use of capital.

On the other hand, branded goods are a poor value for those who cannot afford them, and packaged goods in general are considered less healthy. Add to this that the boat will be stocked with “small sizes” to make price points more affordable, and you have accusations of Nestle taking advantage of the already disadvantaged.

Where to find it: news release here! social commentary here!

Submitted by: John Cucka

Living walls

Friday, June 25th, 2010

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Bernard Visperas

What is it: A Spanish company has invented two types of tiles: one that can grow a number of different plants, including one that can suck pollution out of the atmosphere.

Why is it cool: Apart from the fact that they can make city buildings easier on the eye with funky patterns and designs, they are also great for the environment. The two tiles work in conjunction, where one tile uses natural light to convert nitrous oxide into fertilizer, which is then used by the plants growing on the other tile, and this plant matter removes carbon dioxide from the air. Both processes improve air quality, making it easier for locals to breathe.

Where to find it: here!

Submitted by: Bernard Visperas

Seed bomb

Friday, April 30th, 2010

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Linley Barden

Oh, sorry, I thought you said 'sex bomb'

What is it: Old coin-op candy machines are being converted for use selling seed bombs – mixtures of clay, compost and seeds that can be thrown anonymously into derelict urban sites to (at least, temporarily) reclaim and transform them.

Why is it cool: There’s something poetic about obsolete candy machines (that are essentially trash) being repurposed to sell disposable “bombs” that can be “thrown away” …to bring growth and renewal.

Where to find it: here!

Submitted by: Linley Barden

Spray construction

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

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John Cucka

One house... two house... spray house... new house!

What is it:An Italian inventor has developed a construction scaffold that operates like a digital printer. Using CAD software, it sprays alternating layers of sand and a magnesium-based adhesive to build sandstone buildings from the ground up. With this process, the buildings go up in only a quarter of the time and cost half as much as conventional buildings. Even better, the resulting structures are as durable as sandstone buildings, and without the restrictions of conventional right-angle building (imagine oval rooms, oval windows, etc.)

Why is it cool: We may not all have flying cars yet, but spray-building homes could revolutionise construction. Imagine the public works projects that could be done in developing regions.

Where to find it: here!

Submitted by: John Cucka

Victory from strategy

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

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David Tunnicliffe

Here comes the Sun... Tzu-Tzu-Tzu-Tzu

What is it: An insightful collection of 10 reasons why some product launches can prove underwhelming – or to put it another way, 10 factors to take into consideration to create a successful product launch

Why is it cool: We can never have enough ’10 things…’ lists.  They often contain pithy insight and/or ways of summarising wisdom, which, oddly enough, seem to arrive in the nick of time. I particularly like the Sun Tzu quote in this feature which emphasises the need for an overarching plan and runs

“All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.” — Sun Tzu

Where to find it: here!

Submitted by: David Tunnicliffe