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.

• Have you visited a city tower before? If yes how was that experience, if no would you like to in the future?
• What is the appeal of a tall tower? Do you think having a city tower in Coquitlam would have the same effect?
• Do you think that having places that mainly attract tourism in a city are a good use of city funds?
• Where is somewhere you would like to visit in Tokyo and why?

I haven’t visited a city tower before, but I’d love to one day especially somewhere like Tokyo Tower or the Eiffel tower. I imagine the experience would be thrilling, especially standing at the top and seeing the entire city below, especially at night when all the lights are on. The idea of being up so high and getting a 360-degree view really interests me. I think I’d enjoy learning about the tower’s history, maybe checking out any exhibitions inside, and of course, taking lots of photos. If I ever get the chance to travel to a big city with a famous tower, I’d definitely make it a priority to go.

One reason tall towers are appealing is because they offer a rare and memorable view of a city and often become iconic landmarks. People visit them for the experience, which boosts tourism and brings money into the area. If Coquitlam had its own city tower, it might not be as popular as ones in big cities like Tokyo or Toronto, but it could still attract local visitors and people from nearby areas, especially if it offered something unique like a viewing platform, restaurant, or art exhibit. As for tourism-focused places, I think they can be a good use of city funds if they are planned well and bring long-term benefits to the community. In Tokyo, one place I’d love to visit is Disneyland Tokyo. Disneyland Tokyo is much bigger than Disneyland California, and did love to compare the two and try the new rides. I’ve heard the park has amazing shows, themed rides and snacks. Definitely a dream trip destination to go to.