Creators: Center For Digital Arts & Experimental Media, University of Washington
Community: Whales in the path of navy sonar tests
Project: Unmanned subs that protect whales against the detrimental effects of sonar

Creators: Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects
Community: Areas lacking clean drinking water
Project: Deployable freshwater systems

Creators: Ecco Design
Community: Nervous high-rise office workers
Project: Emergency gear chair

Creators: Zago Architecture
Community: People without computers and telephones
Project: Recycled community telecom hub

Creators: Alexander Rose and Danny Hillis
Community: Villages lacking key infrastructure
Project: Portable communications, water purification and energy station

Creators: Ideo Design
Community: International aid workers
Project: Expandable, networked container

For the 2004 Popular Science invitational design competition, we chose the theme of “technological CARE packages for the 21st century.” What good, we asked, might emerging technology do for global communities in need?

Midwesterners beware: Although you’re assailed each year by voracious tornadoes, crop-flattening hailstorms and searing heat waves, it might be wise to start worrying about what’s going on below the surface. But earthquakes are just for Californians, right?


Wrong.

Zodiac CZ7 versus Zodiac 733 OB:

THE VERDICT: Hoping for a Hummer-like success, Zodiac releases scarcely modified military boat on the consumer market. Everyone's a winner!

Dept.: You Built What?
Cost: $200
Time: Many long nights
Practical | | | | | Popcorn