IDEA Design Trend: Social Responsibility

A strong sense of social responsibility ran through many of the winning entries.



The creation of socially responsible products was important to this year's IDEA jury. It recognized objects and prototypes that promoted sustainability, helped the electoral process, eradicated disease, bolstered village education for the poor, enabled the physically challenged and even envisioned new 21st century theater experiences for lovers of Shakespeare.

Read more about some of the socially-responsible winning entries.

Also see details of IDEA DESIGN AWARDS 2008.

Courage

HealthMap - Global disease alert map

An interesting website which gives the latest update info on the disease outbreaks on google maps. You can check for your city or a place you plan to visit.



HealthMap brings together disparate data sources to achieve a comprehensive view of the current global state of infectious diseases and their effect on human and animal health.

HealthMap provides a jumping-off point for real-time information on emerging infectious diseases and has particular interest for public health officials and international travelers.

Thanks Avinash for sending this :)

ICT's smart answer to climate change

Many know about the impact of airlines on Climate Change and some have started to offset their carbon emissions from air travel in an attempt to reduce their carbon footprint.

Few, however, are aware of how information and communication technologies (ICTs) affect climate change. With emissions of 830 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent (CO2-e in 2007) the ICT sector accounted for 2 percent of global carbon emissions, as much as aviation.

Earlier this month the Global eSustainability Initiative (GESI) and the non-profit organisation Climate Group published a report entitled ‘SMART 2020: Enabling the low carbon economy in the information age’. Presenting results from an analysis of the direct carbon footprint of the ICT sector, the report examines global emission reduction opportunities and strategies to overcome barriers hindering the full realisation of such.
Read further at CSR Asia

Design for Social Impact - IDEO + Rockefeller Foundation

With a new focus area on innovation, The Rockefeller Foundation is exploring new avenues for social change. One promising area is design and how the design industry can play a larger role in the social sector. This How-to Guide and the accompanying Workbook are written for design firms that are interested in joining in the conversation.

>> IDEO + Rockefeller Workbook (413 KB)
>> IDEO + Rockefeller Guide (4.75 MB)

IDEO Social Impact Page