Redesigning Shabbat for the Age of Social Networking

I came upon a very interesting article on FastCompany today about Reboot, a non-profit Jewish think-tank that is encouraging Jews to abandon all forms of digital social networking on shabbat. Why not just keep shabbat? Not sure what I think of the whole idea...

The Buzz that was Heard Around the World

It was about a month ago that Google launched Buzz. February 9th if I am not mistaken. The launch was met with a mixture of excitement, cautious optimism and a whole bunch of negativity. Some people dabbled in Buzz for a few days and others tried to hit Google with lawsuits, but one month later and Buzz has pretty much been forgotten. Is there a way to revive Buzz. Is there something Google could have done to make Buzz more successful?

It is something to think about. Maybe not a wicked problem, but definitely a design thinking problem.

My Triumphant Return to Blogging Takes on a New Direction!

The last thing I posted was almost eight months ago! That is one heck of a long time! An entire semester of designing without any forum for "publishing" my work. Sad. That being said, my interests and studies have taken a more theoretical, business focused turn, so I think the blog will as well. But first, a look at what I have been up to for the past few months....


Table made from binders (course: Object Reincarnation)

Tent Made from Umbrellas. It actually folds up into the little bag pictured. (course: Object Reincarnation)

Kaleidoscope Clock (course: Industrial Design 1)

Tape Dispenser (course: Industrial Design 1)

"Edbixa" Camera from the 1920s turned pillbox. The assignment was to take an object at least 40 years old and without changing its aesthetic or function update it for the 21st century. One of the cameras functions is to help people remember, which is also a function of various drugs such as Ebixa (Edixa, is the name of a camera although not the one pictured above...).
(course: Industrial Design 1)


"Mikvah" A mikvah or ritual bath based on various geometric principles and the idea that going to the mikvah should be like going to a spa or bathing in a rainforest. Unfortunately I do not have the best photos on my computer. (course: Morphology 1, group members: Polina Tenner, Ella Pismanov, Katya Morosova)

Designing a Better Immigration Experience

The State of Israel is unique in that if you meet certain criteria you can gain citizenship immediately upon arrival in the country. Obviously this isn't automatic. There are forms to fill out, red tape to wade through and a whole host of interesting characters to meet.

As someone currently undergoing this process (I moved to Israel two weeks ago) I do feel blessed not to have to take any tests or wait a few years or any of those other lovely things some countries make people do, but I can't help but feel like this process could be redesigned.

For one it takes four days from the date of arrival to be registered in the system. This means you can't open up a bank account or get a phone or anything for at least four days. As well there are to many different offices to visit. Why can't things be more centralized?

Even sillier is what happened to me today. I had to go to the local absorption office. I was told the office is at 31 Shazar Street. Now remember, I am a new immigrant. I have spent a total of five days in my new city of residence. This means, I pretty much have no clue how to get anywhere. Luckily though, I have a map in my apartment. I manage to find the street no problem, but where is number 31? There is exactly one street number I can see and it is on building number 1. It just seems nuts that a place catering to new immigrants would have no street number, sign or other marking to indicate "you are here." After walking up and down the street in about 36 degree heat (Celsius) calling the place a few times and asking random people I eventually found the building. Needless to say this is just the most recent example of how this process should be redesigned.

Warning!!!!!

This isn't so much design pondering as it is a warning to all users of imacs out there. iLugger carrying cases, while handy, can give you a rash! Observe...

Something to consider

Stores that give out paper bags that aren't actually paper and therefore cannot be recycled. The look of paper the environment destroying properties of plastic. Wonderful!

Just Because Something Is Recycled, Doesn't Make It Green

I was just reading this article on Fast Company's website discussing "green" bikinis, it is after all the bikini's 63 birthday today. I put green in quotes because I don't actually believe anything about spending $100 on a tiny scrap of material is green. I mean I am no tree-hugger, but I do think sustainability is crucial and I don't think recycling is the key to living a sustainable lifestyle. I think that excessive consumption, much more than unwise resource choices, have landed us in the position we are in now. If fashion houses truly want to be green they should try to create long lasting pieces and eliminate short lived trends.

Obviously if you are going to buy it is better to buy something that was made responsibly, I just hope these pieces have also been made to last.