IdeaConnection Innovation
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Interview with a Successful Problem Solver

Feb-04-10 By Kristeen
Mechanical engineer, Andrew Kyle, has worked on six challenges with IdeaConnection, and recently spoke with us about his experiences as a problems solver. He "likes the collaborative side of things; you get to work with a facilitator and a select team. So it supplements your knowledge with other people's knowledge. You work with people that are out of your comfort zone which I really enjoy because it pushes you to do more research into a challenge and push back against other people and really make innovative kinds of solutions."

Hot New ChiliBed

Feb-03-10 By Kristeen
Patented technology that cools and heats the bed, the ChiliPad is an innovative way to regulate the temperature of your bed at night and helps in achieving restful sleep. The ChiliBed has a dual zone thermostat that adjusts the temperature of each side of your bed, heating up to 118 degrees or cooling down to 46 degrees. No more night sweats! The safe, innovative design creates an equally balanced temperature in the bed to consistently keep you at your desired temperature throughout the night. This is the only cooling and heating temperature control system for your bed and is the ideal solution for you and your partner to both sleep comfortably.

Wireless Wacom

Feb-02-10 By Kristeen
In just a few short weeks Wacom will be introducing a wireless pen tablet, the Intuos4. The tablet charges over USB, and Bluetooth technology enables you to work as far as 33 feet away from your computer. The ambidextrous working area features eight customizable ExpressKeys with illuminated displays, a finger-sensitive touch ring that controls up to four different functions per application, and best-in-class integration with popular software applications.

Philanthropic Innovation

Feb-01-10 By Kristeen
Thousands of qualified IdeaConneciton members have volunteered to work on Challenges sent in by non-profit foundations and charities. Everyone's goal here is to help your charity, your non-profit, solve a problem with a solution.

A Team of Innovation

Jan-28-10 By Kristeen
Read fascinating interviews with IdeaConnection problem solvers and discover first hand how problems solvers from around the world have come together to solve innovative challenges.

A Starck Invention

Jan-28-10 By Kristeen
World renowned designer Philippe Starck has just revealed two wind turbine designs for domestic use by homeowners. Ordinary individuals can put them in their yards, gardens or on roofs to generate power for their households. The "Revolutionair" 400W WT model will output 400W and the helicoidal 1KW WT will produce 1KW of power. The sleek turbines were officially debuted after a lengthy two years of research and work. The helix shaped designer turbines will be produced by Italy’s Pramac and will sell for around 2,500 euros and 3,500 euros.

Color Picker Pen

Jan-27-10 By Kristeen
Color Picker is an innovative concept design of a pen that scans colors and instantly uses the color for drawing. Simply point the pen at an object to scan its color, then use the ink end to write with the color you just scanned. The color is detected by the color sensor and the RGB cartridge of the pen mixes the required inks to create the target color. With color picker, the possibilities are endless.

Emcycle – The Future of Commuting

Jan-26-10 By Kristeen
The Emcycle hybrid is a mode of transportation that allows you to cocoon yourself and pedal to your destination, or enlist the help of electrical assistance to get you there. Neither car, nor motorbike, nor bicycle, but a blend of all three. A bicycle at heart, with the stability of a tricycle, electrically powered assistance, and a stylish body, the Emcycle offers new measures for safety and visibility. With three drive options and a top speed of 40mph, the Emcycle is an innovative idea for the local commuter.

Beach Bum Bins

Jan-21-10 By Kristeen
Korean designers, Ji-in Byun, Cho Jung Seok & Oh Seul Ki, designed portable and innovative trash bins to curb waste issues on the beach as every hour, 700 tonnes of waste are thrown into the sea. Stationary bins are placed few and far between, but Dustbin 4 Beach is a streamlined bin that can be pitched into the sand and is portable. The tapered base digs deep into the sand for stability. A cut-out niche at the base allows the user to stamp the bin down with the foot, and a cut-out handle at the top facilitates easy removal and shifting. Very cool.

£1 Million Big Green Challenge

Jan-20-10 By Kristeen
In 2007, NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and Arts), sent out an open innovation challenge to the entire UK to reduce carbon emissions. A £1 million ($1.6 million USD) prize fund was set up which spurred community groups into action to tackle the problems of climate change.