Innovate or die

Have a look at this



http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-U-mvfjyiao

This is a very interesting idea and I was particularly drawn to a couple of aspects of this project (and not least that fact that it deals with one issue of rural poverty in a very down to earth way) ..
1. combination. Exploring the problem of clean water filtration AND the delivery of it, these guys have managed to create a solution that meets both needs. And this approach must surely stimulate further thinking about "and what else?" How might we use the same product to power a mobile phone or radio? How might we use it to dispose of waste materials? How might we use it to create some wealth?
2. prototyping. Its a shame that we dont see more of it in the video, but im always inspired to see the prototypes and mock-ups of emerging ideas. Whilst most people these days can (with a little effort) learn how to create a simple 3D visualization of an idea (check out the free google drawing tool - sketchup - http://sketchup.google.com/) Actually bringing an idea to life in-the-flesh so to speak is an amazingly powerful communicator of strange new concepts. When people can touch and "try" an idea for real, there is a far greater chance that they can understand the benefits that this idea brings (in addition to helping refine and develop the idea). Creating prototypes doesnt have to be difficult, as these guys demonstrate by cutting and pasting cardboard around a bicycle.