As you know, the perspective of this site is not that of an idyllic, fantastic and perfect future. Also because we humans build it, who don't even know what perfection is. But we believe in the possibility of building a better future for our communities, this for sure, and we orient ourselves towards initiatives that can avert dangers, or consecrate our positive values.
If there's one political issue that most people can agree on, for example, it's that cities and towns need better infrastructure. Cities are degrading almost everywhere, especially for the most vulnerable communities. But does it have to be this way? Of course not.
This is why many designers and engineers are developing projects for more welcoming, accessible and organized cities. As long as those who govern them know how to interpret and introduce them, of course.
Here are 6 projects that give me hope for the future of communities.
Nuro Zero-Occupant, autonomous vehicle for deliveries
What would life be like if there was no rush hour traffic? (Spoiler: it wouldn't even be called “rush hour” anymore.) Nuro has developed a fantastic alternative in the form of an autonomous delivery vehicle. If you consider that almost half of personal car trips are for shopping and errands, you can imagine that adopting fleets of these vehicles would have an immediate impact on traffic (and health). I talked about it here ed Also here.
Rolla: a community that rises and falls without stress
Modern transport focuses on speed, but once upon a time traveling "slow" also had advantages, especially for stress and lungs. Over-reliance on cars can make it difficult to take scenic, relaxing routes, underground transportation makes communities a bit sociopathic.
From this perspective, the mass transport system proposed by Roll it's literally a breath of fresh air. New Deal Design took inspiration from classic San Francisco streetcars to develop sleek, low-speed, open-air vehicles that run on clean energy and are easy to install in any city.
“Behavioral” chromotherapy
Hospitals are designed to provide care, but visiting one can be a traumatic experience, especially during childhood or adolescence. As more young people (unfortunately) visit the emergency room recently, healthcare providers are trying to take a more empathetic approach to care. The project Behavioral Health Experience from Philips is an excellent example. This adaptive pediatric healthcare environment creates a welcoming, non-isolating space for patients, as well as facilitating healthcare provider visits and easing the burden on the healthcare system.
FidRay, smart dispenser for medicines
For elderly people, taking medications on a daily basis can be incredibly difficult. What if there was a dispenser that can integrate with the therapies established by a doctor, has automatic opening mechanisms and is equipped with a voice assistant to better manage self-administration? It's already there, it's called FidRay and it is an all-Italian project: the research center Kiranet equipped this trinket with 14 drawers (two weeks of drugs) with controlled opening. No more mistakes, grannies.
Spot Check, take a look at that mole
Do you worry when you see a new mole on your body? Are you having trouble keeping track of them? What if you don't have to go to the dermatologist every time you're unsure about a spot on your skin? Spot Check it could make preventative skin care more accessible than ever. This personal skin cancer detection system helps people track moles on their body without having to show them to a doctor first, giving more power to the patient. While it is not intended to replace diagnosis, it is a particularly useful tool for distinguishing between normal moles and “sneaky suspects.”
Koi, close to the children
A diagnosis of chronic illness during childhood is a significant event, but it does not have to be an entirely negative experience. With more and more children being diagnosed with the diabetes Type 1, it is important that communities learn about the daily needs and treatments needed to manage the disease. Koi is a multi-level system concept that assists in diabetes management by providing children with practical and emotional support tools, and creating a platform for nurses to effectively manage care. A stuffed animal "friend" helps children measure their blood sugar levels on their own without any problems, and acts as an intermediary with the medical staff. My friend would love this Laura Boffi, which is constantly developing “empathetic” projects of this type.
I really appreciate how Koi emphasized educating local communities on how to respond to the needs of a diabetic child. You can find out more to this address.
