Attended a conference in Berlin on entrepreneurship, especially in design and social context. Hosted at the Betahus and organised by Stockholm University Innovation, the conference explored how Berlin is addressing global challenges on an entrepreneurial level. Betahaus is an exciting initiative. But in no way does it create innovation. Rather, it just offers a means to help people discover and nurture their passion. Continue reading
The impact of society on science and technology
What came first – the society, or the science and technology? Understanding the ouroboros for improving the quality of life around the world.
In understanding the role of contemporary science and technology in our society today, the impact of society on science and technology, and thus on the quality of life, is often misinterpreted. Perhaps it is so, as the very nature of such an inquiry, is a matter of a cause-effect argument. This argument in its entirety can form the basis for a thesis – the scope of which, is beyond this modest essay.
Until the very beginning of the industrial age in the late eighteenth century, progress of science was dominated by discovery, and not invention. Continue reading
Umbilical Design
We began collaborating with Umbilical Design, a firm focusing on design for space and extreme environments, and transfer of space technology to develop sustainable products and services that improve society and everyday life. We have been working together since March 2010 mainly as academic support for their technology transfer workshops. Now, we are involved in project-driven collaboration working together on wide range of activities – from industrial design to technology transfer initiatives.
A note on backpacking for design
In February 2011, I travelled to southern Ethiopia to experience living in an extreme environment. This article summarises my thoughts on backpacking for design field work in underprivileged regions
I had a 40 litre Northface backpack to fit everything in and I had no plans of carrying any additional luggage. First, I stuffed in the undergarments – pants, tees and socks – 4 pairs each. Second to go in was a long-sleeve cotton shirt. This was all the clothing that I carried. I wore a long-sleeve cotton tee shirt, a long-sleeve Merino wool light parka (to cover the hands and neck from the sun, insects and mosquitoes), a tri-climate Fjällräven jacket with a million pockets and a water resistant Fjällräven trouser with another million pockets. A baseball cap for the brain, which, in hindsight, should have been replaced by a bucket/panama hat, as my ears were roasted in the midday sun. And last but not the least, a sturdy pair of high-top trekking shoes – absolutely crucial. Continue reading