There are plenty of small companies creating electric vehicles but here’s one that looks very interesting. The Venturi Eclectic concept is solar battery electric vehicle. The range, speed, and functionality (think golf cart) are limited but the design is quite interesting with a one box body and robotesque face. It would probably be more efficient to cluster solar cells at home or at the office rather than to carry a small set around with you everywhere. Nevertheless – it makes an interesting concept!
Monthly Archives: May 2008
Brainstorming 101 – Idea Generation Techniques
After picking the right people, setting the scenario, establishing the ground rules, and adding a little sugar and caffeine, it’s time to kick off the fun. You’ve probably seen brainstorming where a group of people sit around a room and bounce ideas off one another - sketching and writing ideas on the wall. But there are many other techniques that can be equally effective and just even more fun. Here are a few:
You can do a Group Chat over the internet or on an internal network where a group of people can type and view ideas on their computer. During these types of brainstorming sessions, ideas come up fast and furious limited only by typing speed. The unconventional part of this technique is that it affords participants a certain degree of anonymity. This usually adds a stretch to the imagination – since nobody knows who is typing in all the crazy ideas!
You can also do a Pass the Idea technique. Each person starts an idea with a sketch or description and then passes it on the next person. Everyone takes turns building on the ideaa as they get passed around. By the time you are finished, the ideas have taken as many different directions as there are people in the group.
A third method is the Role Play. Each person assumes a certain character or personality and acts out the role within a brainstorming session. This technique helps people get out of their shells and reduces inhibitions in general. For example, you could take on the role of a pregnant mother of 5 who needs to design a baby mover. It’s a little like dressing up in a costume and acting out a fantasy… The results can therefore be a little unexpected!
Another method is the use of ‘Mind Maps’ which are schematic style word assocations. Choose your subject and then connect assocations that relate to your subject. Then connect other assocations to these associations and so on. By developing this array or associations, new conepts and relationships may present themselves that wouldn’t otherwise.
Finally, you can just sit around a table with stimulating objects, snacks, and drinks or do what I consider the Conventional. The group talks, sketches, and writes capturing ideas as they develop. This is probably the most common form of brainstorming I’ve seen and guess what… it works.
All these techniques will generate lots of ideas. For what to do with all these seemingly disconnected ideas… you’ll have to wait for another post.
For more posts on Creativity and Innovation processes – click here.
Digital Camera with Automatic Image Level Feature
I often need to post process my photos to level the image. Whenever the image is slightly tilted, it take a little extra time to fix things afterwards using software. Wouldn’t it be nice if a digital camera could automatically adjust images for a perfectly level horizon? I believe there are some patents already out there for micro gyroscopic sensors that can detect the tilt of the camera and automatically compensate for camera tilt in the image. This way, you can hold the camera at any angle and always get a perfectly level shot! I hope somebody can come out with this feature soon.
Interesting Automotive Interior Design
This is a detail from the Nissan Micra. I love the white rocker switches. The design is simple, fun and functional. The script, graphics, color, and forms are nicely balanced the design looks good even years later. Small doesn’t need to look cheap after all!
Brainstorming 101
You can brainstorm lots of different ways but there is a process. Here are the steps at a high level. I’ll cover some the steps in more detail with individual posts later on.
Choose the right group of people
Choose the method of brainstorming
Set the scenario - forecast the future
Set the actual brainstorming environment
Review the ground rules
Let ‘em loose and start generating ideas!
Record everything
Cluster the ideas
Prioritize the ideas
New Product Idea – What if Your License Plate Showed Your Car’s Mileage?
With a lot more attention on fuel economy in the United States, people are making a statement by buying hybrid, electric, and smaller cars. I’ve heard that Geo Metro XFI editions are the hottest thing in the used car market lately. It’s probably no coincidence that someone called my cell number (wrong number) asking about a used Geo Metro! Anyway, if people want to show off their mileage or if they just want to feel good about how they are saving money and fossil fuel, why not have a license plate that comes in green? So if your car gets 35 miles per gallon or better, you get a green license plate. Better yet, States could charge extra for the green plates as a bonus. Of course, the plates would need to be made from recycled and natural materials from sustainable sources. This could be a fun and simple way to help foster interest in more fuel efficient cars.
