Design
Forget latitude and longitude—this map is visually arranged by time
When we need to get from point A to point B, we still use traditional mapping systems that use distance as a measurement for travel time. A software engineer thinks that it’s an outdated and imprecise way to measure travel time, which is why he created a map that is visually arranged by how long Read More...
The Lyft vision for Los Angeles traffic with self-driving cars
When it comes to the western part of the world, Los Angeles likely stands as the prime example of failing infrastructure and traffic gridlock. It seems that public officials have given up on attempts to improve the mess. But maybe technology can do what government can’t. Self-driving and Read More...
The secret to Finland’s educational success can be found in their school designs
Finland leads many international education rankings. Why? One reason could be the flexible, open learning spaces that characterize Finnish schools. Instead of creating walled-off classrooms, many schools have an open floor plan with moveable walls and long, sprawling hallways that keep students of Read More...
This closed-loop shower is a win-win for pleasure-seekers and environmentalists alike
A Danish product designer has created a recirculating shower system that uses the same water over and over again instead of letting it go down the drain. Unlike the standard shower, which uses around 10 liters of warm water a minute, this closed-loop system adds only 1 liter of warm water a minute Read More...
This dome absorbs sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce superfood and oxygen
Architecture doesn’t have to be bad for the environment. Just take the futuristic Algae Dome for example, a four-meter-tall food-producing building that pumps out oxygen in a closed-loop system. Powered by solar energy, the Algae Dome is a sustainable and hyper-local food system that can pop up Read More...
How to make cities more resilient to future floods
Severe weather patterns are becoming more common. The “once every 500-year flood” that is hitting Houston, may not be so rare anymore because of climate change. What can a vulnerable city like Houston do to prevent more damage in the future? Here is a report featuring several urban planning Read More...
Using waste: Researchers harness human urine to make products in space
Space travel has inspired a lot of innovation. In the field of solar energy, for instance. But there’s an obvious domain that is still to be conquered: human waste. Human beings are the only animals in the ecosystem of the planet whose waste is not feeding for further evolution. But scientists Read More...
Look at this map: The world is different than you think
The traditional map distorts our perception of the world. Europe seems still the center of the world it once was. Countries appear bigger than they really are. Here’s an attempt to bring us back to reality with a map that accurately depicts the size of continents in comparison to each Read More...
The industrious bee: Replacing plastic products with beeswax
The greatest challenge to “going green” these days is finding suitable replacements for our carbon-based conveniences. Things like plastic wrap and zip-lock bags have become household Read More...
Here are some of the technologies that are making cities smarter
As the world’s biggest cities continue to sprawl with many millions of new people, they’ll look to many of the technologies and tactics covered in today’s infographic from Raconteur to work smarter – and not harder – for their inhabitants. Read More...