Innovative design from japan:
One innovative design from japan that came to mind is the Shinkansen ( bullet train). It was first launched in 1964, developed by Japanese national railways (aka JR group), and began operating between Tokyo and Osaka. The train was created to solve the problem of overcrowded trains and to offer a faster and safer form of transportation. It was the first ever high- speed rail system in the world and could travel at speeds up to 130 mph (210 Km/h). It uses a special track system and aerodynamic train design to reduce friction and increase stability. Its success shows how innovative engineering has become and adapted to.
How often are you impressed with innovative products you see online/ in person?
I actually am easily impressed with products pretty often, especially when it’s something I actually see myself using. The most recent example i was shown was “edible water bottles” called ooho. These are small, clear bubbles of water, inside a gel-like membrane made from seaweed extract. The main idea is to reduce plastic waste, you can drink the water then eat the “bottle” afterwards! It’s a super smart alternative to plastic bottles.
Recall a time you had an innovative idea/ made a diy hack?
Back when i was younger i’d used to be obsessed with those diy school supplies that were really just you sneaking candy into class. I remember this one design that required a lip balm and chocolate. You take out the lip balm out of the tube, rinse it, then fill it with chocolate to provide a secretive way to have chocolate. I thought it was really smart, and I decided to do it. Until it turned out I had no chocolate in my house… so what better way to fill it with chocolate than to use cocoa powder!! It never worked 🙁
A problem in your life you wish someone would fix with an innovative design?
A problem i would like to be fixes is chargers, specifically how easily they break. It feels like no matter how careful i am, my charger wires start fraying or just stop working after a week or two. Maybe it’s just the types of chargers I’ve been buying, but it happens way too often and always at the worst time, when i really need to charge my phone or iPad. I wish someone could design an innovative kind of wire that never breaks, maybe with a super strong, flexible material or a self-healing outer layer that repaired itself when it gets damaged. Even better, what if the charger could automatically retract when not in use so it doesn’t bend or tangle? Or maybe the solution isn’t a wire at all, but a wireless charging pad built into, desks, bags, furniture, or even your phone case, so you could just place your device down and it would charge without needing to plug anything in. Even portable chargers, which are supposed to be convenient, often run out of battery fast and still need to be recharged with a wire. Since chargers are something we use very day, it seems like there should be a smarter, inter lasting design by now.