Newsletter 35

Diverse Sources of Inspiration

Inspiration can come from numerous sources, such as watching nature or observing cyclists in the wild.  This inspiration can lead to innovation, which can also be initiated from more mundane origins, such as pondering how to solve a universal problem.  Sometimes it takes someone new to the question to produce a fresh take on a solution.  Adding a cross-industry or cross-cultural view can help avoid an unimaginative result.  Happy reading.

Make vs. Buy: Steering Clear of the Death Spiral

Make vs. Buy: Steering Clear of the Death Spiral

Costs are easily underestimated when calculating whether to execute a project in-house or to outsource. The more novel the undertaking, the more uncertain one should be about the cost predictions. However, you shouldn’t neglect your strategic benefits, which may outweigh a cost discrepancy.

Read More

Industry Week, January 2020


What Termites Can Teach Engineers

What Termites Can Teach Engineers

Those termites sure know about natural ventilation. Not having the capacity to add air conditioning, they work with the temperatures they are given rather than against them. Even though their techniques can reduce energy use, it’s probably a bad thing if you see termites on a building site.

Read More

ASME, November 2019


Here’s How We Could Go Carbon Neutral in 25 Years

Here’s How We Could Go Carbon Neutral in 25 Years

How would society handle a global problem that will require innovative and engineered solutions? A study shows that no new ideas are necessary in this case, but immature technology does need to be scaled up. California is employed as an example.

Read More

MIT News, January 2020


Ford Attempts to Bridge the Driver/Cyclist Gap, with Its Emoji Jacket

Ford Attempts to Bridge the Driver/Cyclist Gap, with Its Emoji Jacket

Cyclists tend to feel that having a gap between drivers and cyclists is a good thing, from a safety point of view. Road users are generally safer when they can predict the behaviour of other people on the road. What if technology could let drivers forecast a cyclist’s “capricious” moves? No AI is needed.

Read More

New Atlas, February 2020