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The Ultimate Problem-Solving Journey: Join Me in Tackling 20 Problems in 20 Days

Are you tired of dealing with the same problems over and over again? 😩 Do you wish there was a way to solve them for good? 🤔 Well, fear not, my fellow change-maker! I gave it my best shot.

In this blog, I took on the audacious, slightly crazy idea of trying to solve 20 problems in 20 days. While attempting to develop solutions that ensure they do not reoccur. 💪 And yes, you heard that right, attempt.

I'm no superhero, but I do have a proven methodology that I will use to take a comprehensive approach to solving these issues for good. In this problem-solving marathon, I identified the underlying causes of the problem from three key areas: behavioural, logistical, and environmental. 🌳👥🚚 By understanding these causes, I then developed targeted solutions that addressed the root of the problems.

As an innovative problem-solving expert (or so I like to call myself), I've shared my insights and strategies for tackling these issues head-on. 💡

My goal was to help you see how anyone can become a more efficient, productive problem dissolver - whether at home, work or in your community.

So, please have a look at the problems I took on and let me know how I went.

Cheers,
Nils
Nils Vesk

Fast find index for the 20 problems I'm solving

Day One - Problem #1. Graffiti
Day Two - Problem #2. Isolated Aged People
Day Three - Problem #3. Gender Pay Gap
Day Four - Problem #4. Housing affordability
Day Five - Problem #5. Excess Landfill
Day Six - Problem #6. Cyber Bullying
Day Seven - Problem #7. Sky Rocketing Energy Prices
Day Eight - Problem #8. Excess Plastic Packaging
Day Nine - Problem # 9. Employee resistance to change
Day Ten Problem # 10. Shopping trolleys ending up in streets and parks
Day Eleven - Problem #11. The lack of aged care workers and support
Day Twelve - Problem #12. Coastal Erosion
Day Thirteen - Problem #13. Homelessness
Day Fourteen - Problem #14. Litter on streets and parks
Day Fifteen - Problem #15. Youth Suicide
Day Sixteen - Problem #16. The demise of small local shopping precincts
Day Seventeen - Problem#17. Racism.
Day Eighteen - Problem#18. Water contamination
Day Nineteen - Problem #19. Data privacy and security
Day Twenty - Problem #20. Technological unemployment

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Day Twenty - Problem #20. Technological unemployment

A lot of people are worrying about how AI and robots will be landing all the jobs, leaving humans scratching their heads and wondering what they should do with their newfound free time.

Welcome to the realm of technological unemployment, where innovation meets unemployment with a futuristic twist.

As machines march forward, automating tasks left and right, humans are left pondering their place in this rapidly evolving landscape.

In this technological tango, we'll explore ingenious solutions to ensure humans and machines can dance together harmoniously, creating a future where employment is abundant and innovation knows no bounds.

Let's dive into the realm of technological unemployment and discover the keys to unlocking a future of work that's as bright as the sparks flying from a robot's fingertips.

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of technological unemployment

When looking at solving this problem I like to start by looking at the real cause of the problem. In this and all the other examples I use a method of identifying the real cause based on three areas: i) Behavioural Factors ii) Logistical Factors iii) Environmental Factors.

Let's look at this problem...

Behavioural Factors:

Motivation: People's attitudes, preferences, and incentives towards work and technology can influence their willingness to adapt to technological advancements.
Ability: The skills, knowledge, and capabilities of individuals in relation to emerging technologies play a crucial role in determining their employability in a technologically-driven environment.
Prompts: The external cues, stimuli, or triggers that prompt individuals to adopt or resist technological changes can impact their engagement with automation and their ability to navigate the evolving job market.

Logistical Factors:

Processes: The methods, workflows, and systems in place within industries and organizations determine how tasks are performed and whether they can be automated or streamlined.
Automation: The extent to which technological advancements enable tasks or jobs to be automated affects the demand for human labour in various sectors.

Environmental Factors:

Marketplace: Economic conditions, market trends, and competitive forces influence the demand for certain skills and the availability of job opportunities.
Social Space: Cultural norms, societal attitudes, and social structures shape perceptions of work, technology, and the role of individuals in the labour market.
Work Space: The organisational structures, policies, and practices within workplaces can either facilitate or hinder the integration of technology and human labor.
Play Space: The educational systems, training programs, and lifelong learning opportunities available to individuals impact their capacity to adapt to technological changes and acquire new skills.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas for dealing with technological unemployment

In this problem-solving journey, I use prompts to generate ideas. Prompts help us to think of problems differently. I have also used some of these normal brainstorming prompts with ChatGPT to help me accelerate and increase my brainstorming of ideas (Afterall I'm not getting paid to solve these problems).

Here are some of new ideas to address this issue which I think will only increase in the next few years:

1️⃣ Foster a culture of continuous learning 📚 and skill acquisition to enable individuals to transition to new roles and industries.

2️⃣ Establish innovation hubs that bring together technology experts, entrepreneurs, and workers from diverse backgrounds to ideate and create new opportunities.

3️⃣ Redesign educational systems to prioritize digital literacy 💻, technology integration, and future-oriented skills, ensuring individuals are prepared for the changing job landscape.

4️⃣ Adapt existing job training programs to provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities in emerging fields and technologies. 🔄🛠️💡

5️⃣ Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-industry partnerships to explore new possibilities and create hybrid job roles that combine human skills with emerging technologies.

6️⃣ Modify taxation and labour policies to incentivize companies to invest in technology-driven job creation and employee training.

7️⃣ Repurpose existing infrastructure and resources to support technology-driven initiatives, such as converting vacant commercial spaces into innovation centres or coworking hubs.

8️⃣ Leverage emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to create immersive training programs and virtual work environments 🕶️🌍👩‍💻.

9️⃣ Challenge traditional notions of work and explore alternative economic models, such as universal basic income or guaranteed minimum income, to address potential job displacement caused by automation.

🔟 Eliminate biases in hiring and talent acquisition processes to ensure equal access to job opportunities 🚫🚧, regardless of background or demographic. 👥

1️⃣1️⃣ Instead of fearing technological advancements, proactively embrace and shape the future of work by involving workers, policymakers, and technology experts in decision-making processes.

1️⃣2️⃣ Reverse the notion of competition between humans and machines by focusing on collaboration and complementarity, where technology augments human capabilities. 🔄💪🤖

1️⃣3️⃣ Encourage a culture of continuous learning and upskilling by gamifying educational programs and offering rewards for acquiring new skills.

1️⃣4️⃣ Implement mandatory "innovation sabbaticals" where individuals are given time off from work to explore and experiment with emerging technologies.

1️⃣5️⃣ Create support networks and mentorship programs to address fears and uncertainties associated with technological advancements. 🤝🙌

1️⃣6️⃣ Establish a universal basic income or income sharing models to alleviate financial concerns and encourage individuals to pursue creative endeavours.

1️⃣7️⃣ Foster the development of alternative economic systems such as decentralized platforms and blockchain-based cooperatives that empower individuals to create their own employment opportunities.

1️⃣8️⃣ Implement reverse internships where experienced workers are paired with younger generations to transfer knowledge and bridge the skills gap.

1️⃣9️⃣ Introduce robot taxation policies to redistribute wealth generated by automation and fund reskilling and retraining programs.

2️⃣0️⃣ Upskill Sabbaticals: Provide unemployed individuals with opportunities to attend tech upskilling programs, co-funded by tech companies as a community outreach initiative.

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve the technological unemployment

In ranking the technological unemployment ideas, I used a number of criteria to determine their score. The criteria include-

1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Based on a total score of 50 - Here's how they scored:

1️⃣ Foster a culture of continuous learning and skill acquisition to enable individuals to transition to new roles and industries. (46/50)
2️⃣ Establish innovation hubs that bring together technology experts, entrepreneurs, and workers from diverse backgrounds to ideate and create new opportunities. (45/50)
3️⃣ Redesign educational systems to prioritize digital literacy, technology integration, and future-oriented skills, ensuring individuals are prepared for the changing job landscape. (44/50)
4️⃣ Adapt existing job training programs to provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities in emerging fields and technologies. (43/50)
5️⃣ Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-industry partnerships to explore new possibilities and create hybrid job roles that combine human skills with emerging technologies. (42/50)
6️⃣ Modify taxation and labour policies to incentivize companies to invest in technology-driven job creation and employee training. (41/50)
7️⃣ Repurpose existing infrastructure and resources to support technology-driven initiatives, such as converting vacant commercial spaces into innovation centres or coworking hubs. (40/50)
8️⃣ Leverage emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to create immersive training programs and virtual work environments. (39/50)
9️⃣ Challenge traditional notions of work and explore alternative economic models, such as universal basic income or guaranteed minimum income, to address potential job displacement caused by automation. (38/50)
🔟 Eliminate biases in hiring and talent acquisition processes to ensure equal access to job opportunities, regardless of background or demographic. (37/50)
1️⃣1️⃣ Instead of fearing technological advancements, proactively embrace and shape the future of work by involving workers, policymakers, and technology experts in decision-making processes. (36/50)
1️⃣2️⃣ Implement mandatory "innovation sabbaticals" where individuals are given time off from work to explore and experiment with emerging technologies. (34/50)
1️⃣3️⃣ Create support networks and mentorship programs to address fears and uncertainties associated with technological advancements. (33/50)
1️⃣4️⃣ Establish a universal basic income or income-sharing models to alleviate financial concerns and encourage individuals to pursue creative endeavours. (33/50)
1️⃣5️⃣ Upskill Sabbaticals: Provide unemployed individuals with opportunities to attend tech upskilling programs, co-funded by tech companies as a community outreach initiative. (33/50)
1️⃣6️⃣ Reverse the notion of competition between humans and machines by focusing on collaboration and complementarity, where technology augments human capabilities. (35/50)
1️⃣7️⃣ Encourage a culture of continuous learning and upskilling by gamifying educational programs and offering rewards for acquiring new skills. (34/50)
1️⃣8️⃣ Foster the development of alternative economic systems such as decentralized platforms and blockchain-based cooperatives that empower individuals to create their own employment opportunities. (32/50)
1️⃣9️⃣ Implement reverse internships where experienced workers are paired with younger generations to transfer knowledge and bridge the skills gap. (31/50)
2️⃣0️⃣ Introduce robot taxation policies to redistribute wealth generated by automation and fund reskilling and retraining programs. (30/50)

I'm interested in an idea of the big tech companies giving back by helping the unemployed. So the idea I want to work on is...Upskill Sabbaticals: Provide unemployed individuals with opportunities to attend tech upskilling programs, co-funded by tech companies as a community outreach initiative.

Step 4: Solution Implementation to tackle technological unemployment

From working with thousands of clients over the years, I have realised that implementing is more successful when you deal with three issues i) Forseeable obstacles ii) how to make it easier to construct and iii) working out what can be outsourced.

Let's apply three core principles to the solution of Upskill Sabbaticals:

Foreseeable Obstacles:

Potential resistance or lack of interest from unemployed individuals in upskilling programs.
Limited availability of tech companies willing to co-fund the initiative.
Accessibility barriers for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or remote areas.
Identifying appropriate upskilling programs that cater to diverse skill levels and industry demands.
Addressing potential concerns about job placement after completing the upskilling program.

Contingency Plan:

Conduct comprehensive outreach and awareness campaigns to generate interest among unemployed individuals.
Explore partnerships with a diverse range of tech companies to maximize participation and funding opportunities.
Provide financial support or scholarships to ensure accessibility for disadvantaged individuals.
Collaborate with industry experts and stakeholders to design and implement relevant and up-to-date upskilling programs.
Establish career counselling and job placement services to support participants in finding employment opportunities post-upskilling.

Constructible:

Streamline the registration and application process to make it user-friendly and efficient.
Leverage existing tech infrastructure and platforms to deliver online or blended learning programs.
Collaborate with educational institutions and industry experts to develop standardized curriculum and course materials.
Establish partnerships with training providers or tech companies to access their resources and expertise.
Implement a monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress and effectiveness of the upskilling programs.

Outsourceable:

Outsource curriculum development and instructional design to specialized education providers or tech companies.
Collaborate with training providers or online learning platforms to deliver the upskilling programs.
Seek support from external organizations or agencies for career counselling and job placement services.
Partner with tech companies to co-fund the program and provide industry-specific expertise.
Engage with community organizations or NGOs to assist in outreach and support services for participants.

Learnings from dissolving all these 20 problems

First up, I realised it would be a BIG job, but I also knew it would be worth it. By using the processes I have developed over the years, I found I did not get overwhelmed by the number of problems though I did feel a bit nervous tackling some of the controversial issues.

Along the way, I found that using AI could help me, and using my process and my own prompts the output has been incredibly beneficial. There were times I had to work harder with the AI and other times I just added in my own ideas and asked it to work them into the process.

It's made me realise that many organisations, especially those who lack the resources to hire consultants, or experts in their teams, can readily use AI to help solve big problems ⚠️, where-ever they might be. It has also shown me that understanding how to use AI helps people become better problem solvers provided they understand the principles to prompt the AI.

There were mistakes along the way, but mostly this is one of most favourite social projects that I have done in a long time. Thanks for participating by just reading. And once again, please share this with anyone who is trying to solve a big problem, be that in their community or organisation. 😀

Your thoughts on dissolving problems?

I'd love to know what you're thinking about these issues and your solutions too. Please share some of your thoughts below.

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Day Nineteen - Problem #19. Data privacy and security

Welcome to the digital realm, where privacy dances a delicate tango with technology, and security wears a suit of virtual armour.

In this modern age of interconnectedness, our personal information waltzes through the digital ether, leaving us vulnerable to a symphony of data breaches and cyber threats.

It's a world where your secrets are whispered to algorithms and your intimate details become a tantalising feast for cybercriminals.

But fear not, for in this dance of data, we shall uncover the steps to protect our digital footprints, outsmart the hackers, and turn privacy into the cha-cha-cha champion of the digital age.

So grab your encrypted partner, tighten those cyber-ballet slippers, and let's pirouette our way through the dazzling world of data privacy and security

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of data privacy and security.

Here's the breakdown of the real causes of the data privacy and security problem from three key areas:

1. Behavioural:

Rapidly evolving technology landscape, making it challenging to keep up with emerging privacy threats.
Data-driven business models that prioritize data collection and monetization over privacy concerns.
Increasing interconnectedness of devices and systems, creating more entry points for potential security breaches.
Lack of transparency and accountability from organizations handling personal data.

2. Environment:

Inadequate implementation of secure data management processes and protocols.
Weak or outdated security measures, such as weak passwords or lack of encryption.
Ineffective data breach response strategies, leading to prolonged exposure and increased damage.
Inadequate data privacy regulations and enforcement.

3. Logistical:

Lack of awareness and understanding about data privacy risks and best practices among individuals.
Inadequate motivation to prioritize data privacy due to convenience or lack of perceived personal impact.
Human error, such as unintentional sharing of sensitive information or falling for phishing scams.
Insufficient education and training on data privacy for both individuals and employees within organisations.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas for dealing with data privacy and security.

Here are some ideas to address this issue. And some are a bit out there, and that's okay:

1️⃣ Implement a "Privacy Ninja" training program to equip individuals with the skills to navigate the digital landscape stealthily, protecting their data and identities from prying eyes.
2️⃣ Develop a "Privacy Shield" technology that creates an impenetrable force field around individuals' data, safeguarding it from any unauthorized access or cyber threats.
3️⃣ Launch a worldwide "Digital Privacy Olympics" where tech giants compete to develop the most innovative and secure data protection technologies, with the winners receiving recognition and rewards.
4️⃣ Establish an annual "Data Privacy Day" where individuals participate in interactive events and workshops to raise awareness about data privacy and learn practical strategies for safeguarding their information.
5️⃣ Collaborate with artists and designers to develop a series of thought-provoking and visually captivating public installations that highlight the importance of data privacy and spark conversations on the topic.
6️⃣ Create an AI-powered "Privacy Buddy" that acts as a personal digital assistant, continuously monitoring and alerting individuals of potential data privacy risks while providing guidance on best practices.
7️⃣ Organize "Hack-a-Thon" events where ethical hackers come together to expose vulnerabilities in data systems, with rewards and recognition for those who identify and provide solutions to potential breaches.
8️⃣ Develop a "Privacy Potion" that, when consumed, temporarily cloaks individuals' data from unauthorized access, rendering it invisible to cyber threats.
9️⃣ Embrace the concept of "public privacy" by creating decentralized and transparent data ecosystems where individuals have complete control over their personal information while still enjoying the benefits of interconnectedness.
🔟 Launch a worldwide campaign called "Privacy is the New Black," transforming data privacy practices into a trendy and fashionable movement that encourages individuals to take ownership of their personal data.
1️⃣1️⃣ Create a global network of "Data Guardians" who serve as digital protectors, ensuring that individuals' data rights are upheld and that organizations adhere to strict privacy standards.
1️⃣2️⃣ Introduce a "Data Privacy Tax" on organizations that fail to meet stringent data protection standards, with the funds collected used to support initiatives aimed at educating individuals about data privacy.
1️⃣3️⃣ Develop a "Privacy Caucus" that brings together government officials, industry experts, and privacy advocates to shape policies and regulations that prioritize data privacy and security.
1️⃣4️⃣ Implement a "Privacy-by-Design" framework where privacy considerations are integrated into the development of technologies and systems from the very beginning.
1️⃣5️⃣ Foster international collaborations and agreements to establish global data privacy standards and ensure consistent protection across borders.
1️⃣6️⃣ Create user-friendly and transparent data privacy policies and terms of service that clearly outline how individuals' data will be collected, used, and protected.
1️⃣7️⃣ Empower individuals with easy-to-use tools and apps that allow them to manage their privacy settings, control the data they share, and revoke permissions when needed.
1️⃣8️⃣ Establish an independent auditing body that conducts regular assessments of organizations' data privacy practices and provides certifications based on compliance with rigorous standards.
1️⃣9️⃣ Introduce comprehensive data breach notification laws that require organizations to promptly inform individuals in the event of a data breach, enabling them to take necessary precautions.
2️⃣0️⃣ Invest in research and development to advance encryption technologies and develop stronger security measures to protect data from unauthorized access.

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve the data privacy and security issue.

In ranking the data privacy and security ideas I scored each idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria:

1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:

1️⃣ Empower individuals with easy-to-use tools and apps: 38
2️⃣ Establish an annual "Data Privacy Day": 37
3️⃣ Launch a worldwide "Digital Privacy Olympics": 37
4️⃣ Embrace the concept of "public privacy": 37
5️⃣ Create a global network of "Data Guardians": 37
6️⃣ Introduce comprehensive data breach notification laws: 37
7️⃣ Implement a "Privacy-by-Design" framework: 36
8️⃣ Create user-friendly and transparent data privacy policies: 36
9️⃣ Invest in research and development to advance encryption technologies: 36
🔟 Establish an independent auditing body: 35
1️⃣1️⃣ Implement a "Privacy Ninja" training program: 35
1️⃣2️⃣ Introduce a "Data Privacy Tax": 35
1️⃣3️⃣ Launch a worldwide campaign called "Privacy is the New Black": 35
1️⃣4️⃣ Create an AI-powered "Privacy Buddy": 35
1️⃣5️⃣ Establish a global "Privacy Caucus": 35
1️⃣6️⃣ Collaborate with artists and designers: 34
1️⃣7️⃣ Foster international collaborations and agreements: 34
1️⃣8️⃣ Organize "Hack-a-Thon" events: 34
1️⃣9️⃣ Develop a "Privacy Shield" technology: 32
2️⃣0️⃣ Develop a "Privacy Potion": 32

Step 4: Solution Implementation to tackle data privacy and security.

I like the idea of the data privacy Olympics - here's what this could look like:

Welcome to the electrifying Digital Privacy Olympics, where tech giants worldwide compete in a thrilling battle of data protection prowess!

In this grand event, top-tier companies showcase their innovative and secure privacy technologies, pushing the boundaries of digital fortification.

Witness cutting-edge advancements and thrilling challenges that make cyber threats tremble.

The winners not only receive medals but also global recognition for their exceptional contributions to data privacy. Join the cheering crowd and witness the fusion of technology, competition, and privacy advocacy, where champions rise and privacy reigns supreme!

Now let's see how to implement this Digital Privacy Olympics idea...

Foreseeable obstacles: Anticipating potential implementation obstacles in the Digital Privacy Olympics is crucial for a smooth execution.

Some obstacles to consider may include technological glitches during live demonstrations, ensuring fair and unbiased judging, and maintaining the security of participants' data throughout the competition.

To address these challenges, a comprehensive contingency plan should be developed, including backup systems for technical issues, robust judging criteria and processes, and strict data privacy protocols.
Constructible: To make the Digital Privacy Olympics easier, cheaper, safer, and faster to implement, several strategies can be employed.

Firstly, leveraging existing infrastructure and technology platforms can reduce costs and simplify logistics. Additionally, establishing strategic partnerships with industry leaders and cybersecurity organizations can provide valuable resources and expertise, streamlining the implementation process.

Utilizing digital platforms and virtual collaboration tools can enhance safety and facilitate remote participation, making the event more accessible and cost-effective.
Outsourceable: Identifying activities that can be outsourced in the organization and execution of the Digital Privacy Olympics can optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Tasks such as event logistics, venue management, live streaming, and media coverage can be outsourced to specialized event management companies or service providers.

Engaging experienced cybersecurity professionals and industry experts as judges can ensure unbiased evaluations and enhance the credibility of the competition.

Outsourcing these activities allows the core team to focus on strategic planning and maintaining the integrity of the event.

Learnings

I love how sometimes solving problems can be fun. Who's up for a data privacy Olympics? I'd like watch...

If I was working in a tech company - this could be a great way to establish brand recognition and create great reach, while also dealing with a BIG issue.

If you got any ideas that you can see with potential, maybe share it with your team or friends and make something happen with it. Thanks for reading and joining in on the action.

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Day Eighteen - Problem #18. Water contamination

Water contamination—a critical challenge we can no longer ignore. Here's why it's crucial:

• 2.1 billion people lack safe drinking water due to pollution, poverty, and poor resource management. 💔💦
• Agriculture accounts for 70% of global water loss, draining our lifeblood.
• Annually, 297,000 children under five die from water-related infections caused by poor sanitation and contaminated drinking water. 😢💔
• A shocking 80% of wastewater is discharged into the environment without treatment or reuse.

But fear not! Together, we embark on a noble mission. Let's secure safe water access, promote sustainable agriculture, protect our children's health, and transform wastewater into a valuable resource.

Join us as we combat water contamination 🌟💦✨, ensuring a future where clean, life-giving water flows freely for all.

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of water contamination.

Here's the breakdown of the causes of water contamination problem from three key areas:

Behavioural:

Lack of Awareness and Education: 😕🎓 Limited knowledge and understanding about proper waste disposal and sanitation practices, leading to water contamination.
Disregard for Environmental Responsibility: 🚯💧 Negligent behaviors like littering and improper chemical use, polluting water sources.
Limited Access to Safe Water: 💧🚧 Poverty and inadequate infrastructure preventing access to clean drinking water, forcing reliance on unsafe sources.

Logistical:

Inadequate Waste Management Systems: 🗑️🚫 Insufficient infrastructure and resources for proper waste disposal, resulting in untreated sewage and industrial waste in water bodies.
Agricultural Practices: 🌾🚜 Improper use of fertilizers and pesticides, causing chemical runoff and water contamination.
Industrial Processes: 🏭🌊 Inadequate pollution control measures and improper waste disposal, leading to industrial pollutants entering water sources.

Environment:

Urbanization and Population Growth: 🏙️🔝 Rapid urban expansion and population increase straining water resources and infrastructure, contributing to water contamination.
Climate Change: 🌍🌩️ Altered precipitation patterns and extreme weather events affecting water availability and quality, increasing the risk of contamination.
Natural Disasters: 🌪️🌊 Events like hurricanes and floods disrupting water systems, causing mixing of pollutants with water sources.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas for dealing with water contamination.

Here are some fresh ideas to address this issue:

Sensory Water Experiences: 🌊🎵 Design interactive installations that engage multiple senses to create awareness about water pollution, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Promote Water Heroes: 🦸‍♂️🌍 Highlight stories of individuals who have taken extraordinary measures to conserve and protect water resources, inspiring others to do the same.
Water Pollution Hackathons: 👩‍💻💡 Organize hackathons focused on solving water pollution challenges, bringing together diverse groups of innovators, scientists, and engineers for rapid problem-solving.
Water Recycling Art Installations: 🌈🖼️ Create interactive art installations that utilize recycled water, capturing attention and sparking conversations about water conservation and sustainability.
🌱🔁 Develop water purification systems inspired by natural processes, such as biomimicry-based technologies that mimic the filtering abilities of plants or animals.
Aquatic Guardianship Programs: 🐠🛡️ Establish community initiatives where individuals adopt and take care of local water bodies, actively participating in their preservation.
🚿💧 Implement water-saving devices and technologies, such as low-flow showerheads and efficient irrigation systems, to reduce water consumption.
🚫🔥 Phase out harmful chemicals used in agriculture and industry, encouraging sustainable practices and reducing water contamination.
Virtual Water Pollution Simulation Games: 🎮🌊 Create virtual reality games where players must navigate and combat water pollution challenges, raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices.
🏞️🌊 Convert abandoned industrial sites near water bodies into eco-parks that incorporate natural water filtration systems, transforming contaminated areas into havens of biodiversity.
Water Contamination Escape Rooms: 🚪🌊 Design immersive escape rooms that simulate water contamination scenarios, educating participants on the consequences of pollution and the importance of conservation.
📈💧 Install large-scale transparent water tanks or displays in public spaces, showcasing the beauty and importance of water while encouraging conservation and responsible usage.
🔄 Challenge the traditional perception of waste by celebrating "Reuse Days" or "Creative Recycling Days," encouraging innovative approaches to waste management.
🌱🏞️ Develop natural wetland restoration projects that filter and purify water naturally, improving water quality while enhancing biodiversity.
Water Quality Testing Gamification: 🎮🔬 Create interactive mobile apps or games that educate and engage users in water quality testing, promoting citizen science and data collection.
🚿🌿 Develop shower systems that incorporate water-saving features and natural filtration elements, offering users an invigorating and eco-friendly bathing experience.
💡 Explore alternative materials for single-use plastics, such as biodegradable or reusable options, reducing plastic waste in water sources.
Trash-to-Treasure Exchange: ♻️🎁 Organize community events where individuals can exchange recyclable materials for unique and desirable items, promoting waste reduction and creative reuse.
🌱🔁 Develop water purification systems inspired by natural processes, such as biomimicry-based technologies that mimic the filtering abilities of plants or animals.
🚿🌿 Develop shower systems that incorporate water-saving features and natural filtration elements, offering users an invigorating and eco-friendly bathing experience.

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve the water contamination issue.

In ranking the water contamination ideas I scored each idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria:

1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:

Sensory Water Experiences: 🌊🎵 (Total score: 41)
Promote Water Heroes: 🦸‍♂️🌍 (Total score: 40)
Water Pollution Hackathons: 👩‍💻💡 (Total score: 39)
Water Recycling Art Installations: 🌈🖼️ (Total score: 38)
🌱🔁 Develop water purification systems inspired by natural processes (Total score: 37)
Aquatic Guardianship Programs: 🐠🛡️ (Total score: 36)
🚿💧 Implement water-saving devices and technologies (Total score: 35)
🚫🔥 Phase out harmful chemicals used in agriculture and industry (Total score: 34)
Virtual Water Pollution Simulation Games: 🎮🌊 (Total score: 33)
🏞️🌊 Convert abandoned industrial sites near water bodies into eco-parks (Total score: 32)
Water Contamination Escape Rooms: 🚪🌊 (Total score: 31)
📈💧 Install large-scale transparent water tanks or displays in public spaces (Total score: 30)
🔄 Challenge the traditional perception of waste by celebrating "Reuse Days" (Total score: 29)
🌱🏞️ Develop natural wetland restoration projects (Total score: 28)
Water Quality Testing Gamification: 🎮🔬 (Total score: 27)
🚿🌿 Develop shower systems with water-saving features (Total score: 26)
💡 Explore alternative materials for single-use plastics (Total score: 25)
Trash-to-Treasure Exchange: ♻️🎁 (Total score: 24)
🌱🔁 Develop water purification systems inspired by natural processes (Total score: 23)
🚿🌿 Develop shower systems with water-saving features (Total score: 22)

As a big fan of Hackathons, and someone who runs a lot of these (but mostly on business products), I thought it would be nice to see how to roll this out to bigger social issue.

Step 4: Solution Implementation to tackle water contamination

Let's apply three core principles to the solution of creating a hackathon:

Foreseeable Obstacles:

Lack of Participant Engagement: 🤔🙋‍♀️ Anticipate potential challenges in attracting diverse participants and devise strategies to create awareness and generate interest, such as targeted marketing campaigns and collaboration with relevant organizations.
Resource Constraints: 💡📊 Identify potential limitations in terms of venue, equipment, and funding. Develop a contingency plan by exploring partnerships with sponsors, securing in-kind contributions, or seeking grants to ensure smooth event execution.

Constructible:

Streamlined Registration Process: 🖥️🔒 Simplify the registration process by implementing an online platform that allows participants to easily sign up and provide necessary details. This reduces paperwork, saves time, and enhances overall efficiency.
Collaborative Problem-Solving Frameworks: 👥💡 Design interactive sessions that foster collaboration and brainstorming among participants, utilizing visual aids, tools, and facilitation techniques to stimulate idea generation and problem-solving.

Outsourceable:

Event Logistics: 🗓️🏢 Consider outsourcing event logistics, such as venue selection, stage setup, audiovisual arrangements, and catering, to specialized event management companies. This ensures seamless execution while allowing the organizing team to focus on the content and purpose of the hackathon.
Technology Support: 💻🔧 Engage technical experts or outsourcing firms to provide robust IT infrastructure, including internet connectivity, hardware, and software requirements. This ensures a smooth experience for participants and minimizes technical glitches.

Learnings

Delving into the issue of water contamination offered invaluable learnings.

It opened my eyes to the far-reaching scope and interconnectedness of environmental challenges.

Recognising the social and environmental justice aspects, I think we can embrace personal and collective responsibility, adopting a systems thinking approach.

Armed with this knowledge, motivation, and a sense of urgency, we can become catalysts for positive action, and create a sustainable future for our water. Let's join forces and make a lasting impact. 💧✨

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Day Seventeen - Problem #17. Racism

The Troublesome Tale of Racism: 🌍✨

Ah, the perplexing predicament of racism, a conundrum we face in our global society. 🤔 Let's address this issue head-on.

Picture a world where diversity dances hand in hand with unity, where people from all backgrounds harmoniously coexist. 🌟🤝

Imagine a society where skin color, ethnicity, or cultural differences are celebrated, not cause for division. In this wondrous realm, fairness, equality, and justice flourish, like vibrant flowers in a blooming garden. 🌺✊

By triumphing over racism, we unleash the true potential of humanity. 🌟🌍

We forge unbreakable bonds, cultivating empathy and understanding. We unlock a wealth of diverse perspectives, nurturing innovation and creativity. We create opportunities for all, opening doors to a brighter future. 🌈💡

Solving the puzzle of racism isn't just a moral imperative, but a treasure trove of benefits waiting to be discovered.

We empower individuals to be their authentic selves, dismantling the shackles of discrimination.

We cultivate inclusive societies where everyone thrives, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. 🗝️❤️

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of racism.

🤔🌍🚫 Uncovering the underlying causes of racism can be an enlightening journey. Let's delve into this issue using my problem-solving methodology to shed some light on its roots. Here are the key areas to explore: 👇

1️⃣ Behavioural Factors: 🤔 Motivation: Some individuals may be motivated by deep-seated biases, fear, or a desire to assert dominance, leading to discriminatory attitudes and actions. 🌟 Ability: Lack of awareness, empathy, or understanding of diverse cultures can hinder one's ability to appreciate and respect differences, contributing to racism. 📢 Prompts: Negative experiences, societal stereotypes, or exposure to discriminatory beliefs can act as prompts, reinforcing prejudiced viewpoints and fostering racist behaviour.

2️⃣ Logistical Factors: 🔄 Processes: Inadequate policies, procedures, or organizational cultures that fail to address racism can perpetuate discriminatory practices within institutions. ⚙️ Automation: If automated systems or algorithms are built on biased data or lack diversity in their design and implementation, they can inadvertently perpetuate racial biases and discrimination.

3️⃣ Environmental Factors: 🌍 Marketplace: Economic disparities, unequal access to resources, and discriminatory practices in employment and business can contribute to racism, perpetuating socio-economic inequalities.

🏢 Work Space: A lack of diversity in workplaces, discriminatory hiring practices, or an unsupportive work environment can foster racism and hinder equal opportunities. 👥 Social Space: Prevalent stereotypes, cultural norms, and lack of exposure to diverse perspectives within social circles can reinforce biases and perpetuate racist beliefs.

🎮 Play Space: Media representations, entertainment industries, and online platforms can inadvertently perpetuate racial stereotypes, shaping attitudes and contributing to racism. 🏛️🗳️: Political climates, policies, and systemic biases can either reinforce or challenge racism. It is essential to examine how political structures and leadership influence racial dynamics and advocate for policies that promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas for dealing with racism.

Here are some fresh ideas to address this issue:

Establish community-driven projects that address racial inequalities in education, healthcare, and housing. 🌍🤝🏠
Organize "Equality Hackathons" to bring together diverse groups and brainstorm innovative solutions for social cohesion. 🤝💡💻
Introduce "Racial Empathy Apps" that provide interactive experiences to help users understand different perspectives. 📱🌍❤️
Create collaborative art projects that bring together people from diverse backgrounds to foster dialogue and unity. 🎨👥🗣️
Remove racially biased algorithms from social media platforms to ensure fair representation. ❌🤖✊
Develop user-friendly reporting mechanisms for instances of racial discrimination, making it easier for victims to seek justice. 📝⚖️🔎
Amplify diverse voices and stories through media platforms to challenge stereotypes and encourage inclusivity. 📢🌟🗣️
Transform vacant spaces into community centers for intercultural exchange and dialogue. 🏢🌍🤝
Promote "Inclusion Celebration Days" where diverse cultures are celebrated to foster unity and understanding. 🎉🌍❤️
Implement mandatory unconscious bias training programs in workplaces and educational institutions. 📚🏢👥🌍
Enhance representation and inclusion in media and entertainment industries by supporting diverse content creators and talent. 🎥🎭🌍🌟
Organize "Reverse Stereotype Days" where individuals purposely break stereotypes to challenge assumptions. 🔄🙅‍♂️🚫
Adapt school curricula to include comprehensive lessons on racial history, social justice, and cultural diversity. 🎓🌍📚
Foster collaborations between corporations and marginalized communities to create economic opportunities. 👥💼💪
Develop a virtual reality experience that allows individuals to walk in the shoes of different races. 🕶️🌍👟
Enhance diversity in leadership positions by implementing quota systems or inclusive hiring practices. 📈👥🌍
Create "Anti-Racism Ambassadors" programs where individuals actively challenge and educate others on racism. 🌍🙋‍♀️🌟
Adapt online platforms to provide educational resources on racial equality for easy accessibility. 💻🌍📚
Launch a reality TV show highlighting inspiring stories of individuals who actively promote racial harmony and inclusivity. 📺🌟❤️
Reconfigure public spaces to encourage social interactions and foster cross-cultural connections. 🏞️🌍🤝

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve the racism issue

In ranking the ideas I scored each idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria:

1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:

Establish community-driven projects that address racial inequalities in education, healthcare, and housing. (Total score: 38)
Implement mandatory unconscious bias training programs in workplaces and educational institutions. (Total score: 38)
Adapt online platforms to provide educational resources on racial equality for easy accessibility. (Total score: 37)
Enhance diversity in leadership positions by implementing quota systems or inclusive hiring practices. (Total score: 36)
Remove racially biased algorithms from social media platforms to ensure fair representation. (Total score: 36)
Promote "Inclusion Celebration Days" where diverse cultures are celebrated to foster unity and understanding. (Total score: 35)
Foster collaborations between corporations and marginalised communities to create economic opportunities. (Total score: 35)
Introduce "Racial Empathy Apps" that provide interactive experiences to help users understand different perspectives. (Total score: 35)
Create collaborative art projects that bring together people from diverse backgrounds to foster dialogue and unity. (Total score: 33)
Amplify diverse voices and stories through media platforms to challenge stereotypes and encourage inclusivity. (Total score: 33)
Create "Anti-Racism Ambassadors" programs where individuals actively challenge and educate others on racism. (Total score: 33)
Develop user-friendly reporting mechanisms for instances of racial discrimination, making it easier for victims to seek justice. (Total score: 34)
Reconfigure public spaces to encourage social interactions and foster cross-cultural connections. (Total score: 34)
Organize "Equality Hackathons" to bring together diverse groups and brainstorm innovative solutions for social cohesion. (Total score: 32)
Adapt school curricula to include comprehensive lessons on racial history, social justice, and cultural diversity. (Total score: 32)
Transform vacant spaces into community centers for intercultural exchange and dialogue. (Total score: 31)
Develop a virtual reality experience that allows individuals to walk in the shoes of different races. (Total score: 30)
Reconfigure public spaces to encourage social interactions and foster cross-cultural connections. (Total score: 30)
Foster collaborations between corporations and marginalized communities to create economic opportunities. (Total score: 29)
Enhance representation and inclusion in media and entertainment industries by supporting diverse content creators and talent. (Total score: 28)

As a big fan of AI and algorithms I am very keen to see less bias, so let's explore the idea of:
Removing racially biased algorithms from social media platforms to ensure fair representation.

Step 4: Solution Implementation to Deal with Racism

Let's apply the three core principles to the solution of removing racially biased algorithms from social media platforms:

Foreseeable Obstacles:
a. Legal and Regulatory Challenges: Anticipate potential legal and regulatory barriers related to data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and content moderation policies. Develop a contingency plan by collaborating with legal experts and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
b. Technical Complexity: Recognize the intricacy of identifying and removing racially biased algorithms. Work closely with data scientists, AI experts, and machine learning engineers to address technical challenges and ensure the effectiveness of the algorithmic adjustments.
c. Resistance from Stakeholders: Expect resistance from stakeholders who may have vested interests or concerns about the impact on user engagement or revenue. Develop a comprehensive communication plan to address concerns, educate stakeholders, and gain their support.
Constructible:
a. Collaborative Partnerships: Foster collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and advocacy groups specializing in algorithmic bias and fairness. Leverage their expertise to develop robust algorithms and methodologies for unbiased content delivery.
b. Rigorous Testing and Validation: Implement a comprehensive testing and validation process to assess algorithmic fairness and accuracy. Employ diverse testing datasets and engage user feedback to ensure the algorithms perform optimally across different demographics.
c. Transparency and Algorithmic Auditing: Strive for transparency by openly sharing algorithmic principles, evaluation methodologies, and ongoing audit reports. Invite external experts for independent audits to build trust and ensure the continuous improvement of algorithmic fairness.
Outsourceable:
a. Data Collection and Analysis: Consider outsourcing data collection and analysis tasks to reputable third-party firms with expertise in handling diverse datasets and ensuring privacy compliance.
b. User Feedback Analysis: Engage outsourced teams to analyze user feedback and sentiments related to algorithmic bias, helping identify areas for improvement and refining the algorithms accordingly.
c. Algorithmic Monitoring and Reporting: Collaborate with specialized outsourcing partners who can provide continuous monitoring and reporting on algorithmic performance, flagging potential bias issues and suggesting corrective measures.

Learnings

Racism often looms as a behemoth we tend to tiptoe around.

It's like that enormous elephant in the room, draped in a cloak of discomfort and avoidance. 🐘😬

But here's the twist: When we set aside the daunting size of the problem and summon the courage to face it head-on, we unlock a world of possibilities.

The boundaries of what we think is possible crumble. We break free from the chains of conventional thinking, paving the way for unorthodox, yet valuable, answers.

Suddenly, a reality TV show or a virtual reality experience become catalysts for change, helping us dismantle the pillars of racism one story at a time. 🎥🌈

So, remember that size doesn't matter when you wield a great process. 🚀✨💪

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Day Sixteen - Problem #16. The demise of small local shopping precincts

In the age of digital shopping carts and same-day deliveries, our local shopping precincts seem to have fallen out of favour, slipping into quiet decline. 📉 😔 Ah, remember the time when a shopping trip was a family day out? Now, with the rise of e-commerce giants, it's more of a click-and-forget affair. But wait! Let's not write off our local shops just yet. 🚫🖊️

Why, you ask? Well, there are more reasons than one can shake a stick at! Local shopping precincts offer us unique, personal experiences, something the online realm simply cannot mimic. 👩‍💼🎁 They're not just places to pick up bread and milk; they're communities. They're places where you chat with shopkeepers, where you see, touch, and feel the products. 🏪🛍️

Revitalising our local shopping precincts means more than just saving businesses; it's about restoring community spirit, supporting local jobs, reducing carbon footprints, and offering an alternative to the impersonal, homogenised online shopping experience. 🏘️💼🌍

It's a worthy cause, isn't it? Sure, it won't be a piece of cake. 🍰 But, trust us, there are oodles of ingenious solutions waiting to be discovered. So, let's dust off our local precincts, and show them some love. Because shopping local isn't just about buying—it's about belonging. 🛍️💕🏡

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of the demise of the local shopping precinct.

Ah, the local shopping precincts, once bustling with activity and charm, have indeed faced quite a downturn. 😔 So, what's behind their demise? Let's unpack this using our tri-pronged methodology:

Behavioural:
The online shopping revolution has lured many of us away from the high street. It's easy, convenient, and often cheaper 🛒💻. The ‘buy with one click’ feature can be mighty tempting and it's led to a shift in consumer behaviour. And it's not just about convenience. With ratings and reviews readily available, there's an added layer of trust in buying online, even though we can't touch or try the product.
Logistical:
The rise of online retail giants has drastically changed the logistics of shopping. Local businesses often struggle to compete with the delivery speed, the vast range of products, and the return policies of these behemoths. The infrastructure and technology required to provide this kind of service are beyond the reach of many small businesses.
Environmental:
Rent, taxes, and the general cost of maintaining a physical store have all taken a toll. 🏬💸 Plus, with more people working from home post-COVID, foot traffic has declined in many city centres, meaning fewer impulse buys and lunchtime shopping sprees. Changes in societal norms and expectations also play a part. Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, which might mean buying less, buying secondhand, or choosing retailers based on their environmental and social policies.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas for the demise of the local shopping precinct.

Here is a stack of ideas to address this issue:

Adapt store hours to better suit consumer behaviour. Longer opening hours can cater to those who work late.
Organise community-building activities such as weekend markets, street fairs, or entertainment events to draw people back to the precinct.
Work with local businesses to reduce their environmental impact and then promote this to consumers. Offer 'green' shopping events, create reusable shopping bag initiatives, or set up recycling programs.
Modify the store layout to offer a unique, immersive experience. Think bookshops with cosy reading corners, or clothing stores with style consulting.
Help local shops offer faster delivery or convenient pickup options. This could be achieved by pooling resources within the precinct to offer a joint local delivery service or a centralised pickup point.
Swap high street locations for mobile pop-up shops in busy areas or community events.
Change the traditional retail model by allowing customers to rent instead of buying, perfect for items used infrequently.
Advocate for policy changes to reduce the financial burden on local stores. This could involve campaigning for reductions in rent, taxes, or regulations that disproportionately affect small businesses.
Utilise empty shops as community spaces. They could host fitness classes, hobby clubs, or co-working spaces during off-peak hours.
Promote the unique, personal shopping experiences available locally, which can't be replicated online. Think personalised style consultations, in-person product demonstrations, tasting sessions, etc.
Modify marketing strategies to emphasise the benefits of local shopping, such as supporting local jobs and reducing carbon footprints.
Promote local shopping precincts as an environmentally friendlier alternative to online shopping. Highlight the reduced carbon footprint from not needing long-distance shipping and packaging.
Substitute traditional product lines with locally-made or sustainable goods to attract environmentally-conscious consumers.
Launch a trust-building campaign highlighting the quality and authenticity of local businesses. Share stories of local entrepreneurs and their commitment to the community, to help build emotional connections and trust.
Combine forces with online retailers. The physical store could serve as a pick-up and return point for online purchases, reducing delivery and return hassles for customers.
Cut down on the middleman. Offer platforms for local artisans and producers to sell directly to consumers.
Reverse roles - customers become the sellers. Dedicate spaces for swap-meets, where community members can trade items.
Use rooftops or spare outdoor spaces for urban gardening, creating a community hub and a source of local produce.
Eliminate hassle with concierge services. A centralised service desk could handle returns and queries for all stores in the precinct.
Develop a reward or loyalty program that incentivises shopping local. Customers could earn points or discounts for shopping within the precinct.
Provide access to technology that supports online-to-offline (O2O) commerce. Workshops or grants could be used to help local businesses build their digital presence.
Merge shopping with entertainment. Weekly events such as live music, food fairs, or art exhibitions can make the shopping experience more engaging and fun.
Adapt to the digital world. Offering online ordering with in-store pick-up (click-and-collect) can bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds.

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve the demise of local shopping precincts

In ranking the ideas I scored each idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria:

1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:

1. Promote environmentally friendlier local shopping:

Total Score: 37

2. Adapt store hours:

Total Score: 36

3. Modify marketing strategies:

Total Score: 36

4. Trust-building campaign:

Total Score: 36

5. Promote unique, personal shopping experiences:

Total Score: 35

6. Develop a reward or loyalty program:

Total Score: 35

7. Customers become the sellers:

Total Score: 34

8. Organise community-building activities:

Total Score: 33

9. Offer platforms for local artisans:

Total Score: 33

10. Merge shopping with entertainment:

Total Score: 33

11. Offer faster delivery or convenient pickup options:

Total Score: 33

Green shopping events/initiatives:

Total Score: 32

Swap high street locations for pop-up shops:

Total Score: 32

Utilise empty shops as community spaces:

Total Score: 32

Fast delivery or convenient pickup options:

Total Score: 31

Substitute with locally-made or sustainable goods:

Total Score: 31

Eliminate hassle with concierge services:

Total Score: 31

Rent instead of buying:

Total Score: 30

Advocate for policy changes:

Total Score: 30

Combine forces with online retailers:

Total Score: 30

Provide access to O2O commerce technology:

Total Score: 30

Use rooftops for urban gardening:

Total Score: 28

Modify store layout:

Total Score: 27

I'd like to explore idea number 5: Promoting Unique, Personal Shopping Experiences

In-store Events and Workshops 🎈: Host exclusive in-store events and workshops that offer valuable experiences to customers. For instance, a local bakery could host baking classes 🥖🍞, a clothing store could host fashion and style workshops 👗👠, a bookshop could organise author signings 📚✍️. These experiences can't be replicated online and make shopping interactive and engaging.
Personalised Consultations 🧑‍💼: Offer personalised services such as style consultations in clothing stores or skincare advice in beauty stores. Trained staff providing one-on-one sessions and helping customers to choose products that suit them best adds a personal touch that can't be found online.
Product Demonstrations and Tastings 👨‍🍳🍷: Cookware stores could host cooking demonstrations, while food and drink stores could offer tasting sessions. Customers get to try before buying, increasing their confidence in the product and their connection with the store.
Create Experiential Spaces 🛋️🖼️: Instead of merely displaying products, stores can create spaces where customers can experience the products. A furniture store with room setups allows customers to visualise their own home, while a gadget store lets customers play with the latest tech.
Curated Local Products 📍🏘️: Showcasing local products, not offered by online retail giants, allows shops to tell their stories - where they're sourced, who made them, and how buying these supports the local economy. The sense of local identity can be a powerful motivator for shoppers.
Community Connection 👫🏘️: Host community-focused events or collaborate with local schools, charities, and clubs on initiatives. It promotes a sense of community and belonging, a potent driver for local shopping.

Transform shopping from a transactional experience into a memorable event that customers want to return to and share with others. The aim is to offer an engaging, immersive shopping experience that online platforms can't match. 🛍️🎉👥

Step 4: Solution Implementation to solve the demise of local shopping precincts

Here's how we could go about trying to implement the idea of unique personal shopping experiences...

Foreseeable Obstacles:
- Staff Training: Personalised consultations and product demonstrations require well-trained staff. Insufficient training could result in less-than-optimal customer experiences. Contingency Plan: Regular training programs, on-boarding sessions for new hires, and periodic workshops to keep the staff updated about the latest trends and products.
- Cost: Hosting in-store events, demonstrations and workshops can be costly. Contingency Plan: Collaborate with local artists, authors, and chefs who might host sessions in return for exposure.
- Space Constraints: Not all stores might have the required space for events or experiential displays. Contingency Plan: Utilise outdoor space or nearby community halls. Alternatively, use creative design to optimise the existing space.
Constructible:
- Partnerships: Partnering with local businesses, artists, and artisans can help share the cost and resources required for hosting events, demonstrations, etc.
- Technology: Use digital tools for scheduling, RSVPs, and feedback collection for events and workshops. Digital marketing tools can be used to promote these events widely.
- Leverage Existing Resources: Utilise current staff and space. With the right training, existing staff can manage the new services.
Outsourceable:
- Event Management: Outsourcing event organisation to a local event management company can ensure professionally run events and free up staff to focus on core operations.
- Digital Marketing: To promote the events and unique experiences, a digital marketing agency could be hired. They can manage the online presence and create buzz about the events, workshops, and unique experiences the store offers.
- Staff Training: Outsourcing staff training to a professional training agency will ensure your staff are well equipped to deliver the best customer service. This includes product knowledge, customer handling, and managing in-store events.

Learnings

Alright, let's do a quick roundup of the pearls of wisdom gathered on this little brainstorming journey of ours, shall we? 👓📝

Shopping Precincts are More Than Just Shops: The biggest revelation has to be this - local shopping precincts are not just a collection of stores. They are, in fact, a beating heart of the community. More than transactions, they facilitate interactions and that's something truly priceless. 💛🏘️
The Personal Touch is Everything: E-commerce might offer the world at our fingertips, but it lacks the human touch. There's something incredibly gratifying about having a friendly shopkeeper who knows your name, or taking part in a tasting session that tantalises your taste buds. We've learned that in the world of shopping, experience is king! 👑🛍️
Digitalisation is Not the Enemy: Initially, you might think the digital world is the big bad wolf at the door of our local shopping precincts. But guess what? We've found that online and offline can live happily ever after. From click-and-collect services to online promotion of in-store events, digital tools can be a local shop's best friend. 🐺📲
Creative Solutions Can Revitalise the Scene: Be it turning rooftops into urban gardens 🏡🌷, hosting art exhibitions, or introducing loyalty programs, we've discovered a treasure trove of creative solutions. It turns out, with a bit of outside-the-box thinking, we can add a whole lot of sparkle to the local shopping scene. ✨🎁
Community Engagement is Key: Last but not least, it takes a village to revive a village. From the shop owners to the consumers, everyone plays a part. Our little brainstorming session has proved that local shopping precincts thrive when the community rallies behind them. 🤝🌳

So, there you have it - our enlightenment from this expedition into the world of local shopping precincts. Who knew there'd be so much to learn? Now, let's put our newfound knowledge to work, and give our shopping precincts the makeover they deserve! 🛠️💪

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Day Fifteen - Problem #15. Youth Suicide

Yikes this is a biggie, and I might get some flack for having a go at this, but I think it's worth it.

I went to a fairly rough school, with a dwindling number of students because not many people wanted to go there. From a small school (I think I had about 75-80 kids in my year) there were a number of suicides from students. Five of those students had taken their life before the age of 21.

While that was a long time ago, youth suicide is still prevalent and I think a problem worth trying to solve.

Oh, and if you or anyone you know is going through a tough time mentally, make sure you get some help from a professional psychologist, counsellor or hotline.

Onto the problem dissolving.

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of youth suicide

I approached the causes of youth suicide by looking at 3 key areas: 1. Behavioural factors, 2. Logistical behaviours and 3. Environmental factors.

Here's what some of those causes are:

Emotional Turbulence: 🌪️ Adolescence can be a whirlwind of emotions, with intense pressure to navigate the complexities of life, identity, and relationships, leading to feelings of overwhelm and despair.
Social Struggles: 🤝 The need to fit in, peer pressure, bullying, and a sense of social isolation can create a toxic cocktail that erodes self-esteem and exacerbates mental health challenges.
Academic Stress: 📚📝 The academic landscape can sometimes transform into a pressure cooker, with mounting expectations, competition, and a fear of failure, leaving young minds feeling trapped and hopeless.
Mental Health Stigma: 🚫🧠 The persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent young people from seeking help and support, leaving them feeling isolated and unheard.
Family Dynamics: 👪💔 Dysfunctional family environments, strained relationships, and a lack of emotional support at home can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and desperation.
Substance Abuse: 🍻💊 Substance abuse can become a destructive coping mechanism, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction, impaired judgment, and worsening mental health struggles.
Trauma and Adversity: 😢🌪️ Experiencing trauma, loss, or adverse life events can significantly impact the emotional well-being of young individuals, making them more vulnerable to suicidal ideation.
Media Influence: 📺📱 The pervasive influence of media, social media, and unrealistic beauty standards can fuel comparison, feelings of inadequacy, and contribute to a negative self-image.
Lack of Mental Health Support: 🏥🔍 Limited access to mental health resources, long wait times, and a lack of awareness about available support services can leave young people without the help they desperately need.
Cultural Factors: 🌍🎭 Cultural norms, expectations, and societal pressures can shape an individual's perception of themselves and their place in the world, potentially adding to the vulnerability of youth.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve youth suicide

Here are some ideas to consider for this issue:

🔄 Explore alternative support systems and interventions to traditional approaches, providing innovative and tailored solutions for young individuals in need.
Combine: 🌟 Foster collaborations between mental health professionals, educators, community organizations, and peer support networks to create a holistic and comprehensive support system for youth at risk.
🏋️‍♂️ Customize mental health programs and initiatives to meet the specific needs of different cultural backgrounds, diverse communities, and marginalized groups, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
🛠️ Enhance mental health services by incorporating technology, such as mobile apps or online platforms, to provide accessible and anonymous resources, crisis helplines, and virtual counseling options.
🌱 Harness the power of storytelling, art, music, and other creative mediums to promote emotional expression, resilience, and mental well-being among young individuals.
❌ Challenge and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering open conversations, awareness campaigns, and educational programs in schools, communities, and media platforms.
↩️ Shift the focus from crisis intervention to proactive prevention by implementing comprehensive mental health education and emotional well-being programs from an early age, empowering young individuals with coping strategies and resilience skills.
Foster a sense of belonging and connection among young individuals, such as creating supportive communities, mentorship programs, or peer support networks. 🤝💕
Explore systemic changes and societal pressures that contribute to the mental health challenges faced by young people, seeking ways to alleviate societal expectations and promote healthier environments. 🌍🔄🚀
Address other factors that may influence youth suicide, such as academic pressures, social media impact, or lack of access to mental health resources. 📚💻🚫🩺
Explore the role of informal support systems, including friends, family, and community members, in recognizing early signs of distress and providing empathetic support. 🤗👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💞
Consider the role of adults, institutions, and societal structures in creating environments that either support or hinder mental well-being, encouraging a collective responsibility for youth suicide prevention. 👩‍👨‍👧‍👦🏢👥🌱

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve youth suicide

In ranking the ideas I scored each youth suicide idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria:

1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:

Foster collaborations between mental health professionals, educators, community organizations, and peer support networks to create a holistic and comprehensive support system for youth at risk. 🌟 Total score: 41
Customize mental health programs and initiatives to meet the specific needs of different cultural backgrounds, diverse communities, and marginalized groups, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. 🏋️‍♂️ Total score: 40
Enhance mental health services by incorporating technology, such as mobile apps or online platforms, to provide accessible and anonymous resources, crisis helplines, and virtual counseling options. 🛠️ Total score: 39
Shift the focus from crisis intervention to proactive prevention by implementing comprehensive mental health education and emotional well-being programs from an early age, empowering young individuals with coping strategies and resilience skills. ↩️ Total score: 37
Explore alternative support systems and interventions to traditional approaches, providing innovative and tailored solutions for young individuals in need. 🔄 Total score: 36
Harness the power of storytelling, art, music, and other creative mediums to promote emotional expression, resilience, and mental well-being among young individuals. 🌱 Total score: 35
Challenge and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering open conversations, awareness campaigns, and educational programs in schools, communities, and media platforms. ❌ Total score: 34
Foster a sense of belonging and connection among young individuals, such as creating supportive communities, mentorship programs, or peer support networks. 🤝💕 Total score: 32
Explore systemic changes and societal pressures that contribute to the mental health challenges faced by young people, seeking ways to alleviate societal expectations and promote healthier environments. 🌍🔄🚀 Total score: 30
Address other factors that may influence youth suicide, such as academic pressures, social media impact, or lack of access to mental health resources. 📚💻🚫🩺 Total score: 29
Consider the role of adults, institutions, and societal structures in creating environments that either support or hinder mental well-being, encouraging a collective responsibility for youth suicide prevention. 👩‍👨‍👧‍👦🏢👥🌱 Total score: 29
Explore the role of informal support systems, including friends, family, and community members, in recognizing early signs of distress and providing empathetic support. 🤗👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💞 Total score: 29

Many of these ideas are already taking shape in the community. I'd like to explore the last idea, as I think that it's the people who interact with us everyday who can be doing more to help and identify problems.

Let's explore the role of informal support systems, including friends, family, and community members, in recognizing early signs of distress and providing empathetic support, while also equipping them with essential mental health skills. 🤗👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💞

By fostering a supportive network within communities, we can create a safety net for young individuals facing mental health challenges. Through education and training programs, we can empower friends, family members, and community members to become knowledgeable allies who can identify early signs of distress and offer empathetic support.

These informal support systems can participate in mental health skills workshops, where they learn about mental health awareness, signs of distress, and available resources. They develop essential skills such as active listening, empathy, and effective communication techniques that foster understanding and non-judgmental support.

By combining the power of informal support systems with the learning of mental health skills, we create a comprehensive approach to youth mental well-being. Friends, family, and community members become equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to play an active role in supporting young individuals' mental health. They can recognize early warning signs, offer empathetic guidance, and connect them with appropriate resources and professional help when needed.

Moreover, these training programs also promote the self-care and mental well-being of the support system members themselves. They learn about stress management techniques, resilience-building strategies, and the importance of maintaining their own mental wellness. By taking care of their own well-being, they become positive role models for young individuals, creating a supportive environment that fosters overall mental wellness.

By exploring the role of informal support systems and empowering them with mental health skills, we strengthen the collective responsibility for youth mental health and create a network of caring individuals who are capable of providing understanding, support, and guidance. Together, we can create a community that values mental well-being and ensures that no young person faces mental health challenges alone.

Step 4: Solution Implementation to solve youth suicide

Here's how we could go about trying to implement the role of informal support systems, including friends, family, and community members, in recognizing early signs of distress and providing empathetic support, while also equipping them with essential mental health skills.

Foreseeable Obstacles:
- Potential obstacle: Lack of awareness and understanding among informal support system members about mental health and early signs of distress.
- Contingency plan: Develop comprehensive training materials and workshops that provide accessible and engaging information on mental health awareness, signs of distress, and empathetic support. Include case studies, practical exercises, and resources for continuous learning to ensure ongoing support.
Constructible:
- Identify what will make it easier, cheaper, safer, faster to implement:
  - Collaborate with mental health professionals and organizations to leverage their expertise and resources in developing training programs.
  - Utilize existing platforms and technologies for delivering training materials, such as online modules or mobile applications, to make them easily accessible and cost-effective.
  - Establish partnerships with community centres, schools, and local organizations to provide venues for workshops and support the implementation process.
  - Develop a structured curriculum that can be easily customized to cater to different communities, allowing for efficient scalability and adaptation.
Outsourceable:
- Identify the easiest and most cost-effective activities to outsource:
  - Collaborate with mental health professionals or organizations to develop and deliver training programs, leveraging their expertise in mental health education.
  - Engage community leaders and organizations to facilitate the organization and promotion of workshops, as they have existing networks and influence within the community.
  - Partner with technology providers to develop and maintain online platforms or mobile applications for delivering training materials, ensuring accessibility and ease of use.

This approach could allow people to deal with implementation obstacles and to leverage existing expertise, resources, and networks, making it easier, more cost-effective, safer, and faster to equip informal support systems with essential mental health skills.

Learnings

Here are some of the takeaways I gained, as a non-expert:

Fresh Perspective: Non-experts often bring fresh perspectives to a problem, unburdened by preconceived notions or industry-specific biases.
User-Centric Solutions: Non-experts often have a closer connection to the end-users or people benefiting from the solutions. Non-experts can bring a human-centered perspective, prioritising the needs and experiences of those directly impacted by the problem.
Inquisitive Mindset: Non-experts often possess a natural curiosity and a willingness to ask "why" and "what if" questions.. This means we are unafraid to challenge assumptions and explore new possibilities.

Kudos to all the people already working to solve this problem, keep up the great work and governments - please support them more.

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Day Fourteen - Problem #14. Litter on streets and parks

Rubbish, trash, litter, call it what you want but nobody really likes it. Yet it seems to end up everywhere, on streets, in gardens, in parks, on the beach, in the water. What is it that causes some places to be covered in litter while others seem spotless? Is it the lack of cleaning that happens, is it the number of rubbish (trash) cans, is it the proximity, is it the culture, demographics?

Let's see if we can tidy up this persistent problem shall we?

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of litter on streets and parks

In this Litterbug Invasion problem! 🚯🗑️ I approach the causes by looking at 3 key areas: 1. Behavioural factors, 2. Logistical behaviours and 3. Environmental factors.

How did we end up in this messy situation? Let's dive into the underlying causes and decode this rubbish riddle. 🤔💡

1️⃣ Behavioural Factors: When it comes to litter, our behaviour plays a major role. 🚶‍♂️🗑️ Some people are simply unaware of the impact their actions have on the environment. Others, unfortunately, lack a sense of responsibility and toss their trash with reckless abandon. It's time to nudge them towards better habits and awaken their environmental conscience. 🌍👥

2️⃣ Convenience Culture: The rise of the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle has contributed to the litter problem. 🏃‍♀️🌪️ Convenience often takes precedence over looking after the environment, resulting in careless disposal of waste without considering its consequences. We need to find ways to make responsible disposal just as easy and convenient. 🔄🚮

3️⃣ Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient infrastructure for waste management, such as an insufficient number of bins or lack of recycling facilities, can fuel littering habits. When people can't find somewhere for their rubbish, it often ends up thrown or dumped on our beloved streets and parks. Let's bridge this infrastructure gap and provide the necessary tools for responsible waste disposal. 🛢️🚯

4️⃣ Education and Awareness Gap: Lack of education and awareness about the impact of litter on our environment and society plays a significant role in this problem. Without understanding the consequences, people are less likely to change their behaviour. It's time to spread the word, educate, and ignite a sense of ownership for our surroundings. 📚🌱

5️⃣ Lack of Civic Pride: A sense of civic pride can inspire individuals to keep their communities clean and beautiful. When people take pride in their surroundings, they are less likely to litter. Let's foster a culture of respect and pride in our neighborhoods, encouraging everyone to be an ambassador for cleanliness. 🌆🌸

6️⃣ Insufficient Enforcement: Weak enforcement of littering laws and penalties may allow the problem to persist. When there are no consequences for littering, individuals may feel they can get away with it. It might be time to bolster enforcement efforts, making it crystal clear that littering is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. ⚖️🚫

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve litter on streets and parks

Here are some clever ideas to tackle the litterbug issue. Using a variety of ideation prompts, I've come up with these innovative solutions. Take a look at what popped up:

🌿 Advocate for minimal packaging and eco-friendly alternatives, reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption. ♻️🛍️
🗑️ Install conveniently placed trash bins, making it effortless for individuals to dispose of waste responsibly. That means more bins closer together. 🚮😊
📣 Launch campaigns and educational programs to raise awareness about littering and instill a sense of responsibility. 📢🌍
🔄 Enhance and expand recycling programs to make recycling easier and ensure effective processing and repurposing of materials. ♻️🔄
🏙️ Incorporate waste management infrastructure into urban planning, including strategically placed recycling stations and bins. 🏢♻️
⚖️ Enforce strict penalties and fines for littering to create a deterrent and foster accountability. 🚫💰
Develop biodegradable packaging materials and promote their use to reduce waste accumulation. 🌱📦
Replace single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives to combat plastic pollution. 🚫🌍
Integrate smart waste bins with sensors for efficient collection and prevention of overflow. 🗑️📶
Combine public art installations with litter bins to create engaging disposal points. 🖼️🗑️
Design user-friendly mobile applications for locating trash bins and recycling centres. 📱🗑️♻️
Adapt existing street furniture to include built-in small litter bins. 🪑🗑️
Implement reward systems or incentive programs for clean-up participation. 🏆🤝
Modify waste management infrastructure to include separate recycling bins. 🔄🗑️♻️
Repurpose recycled materials to create artistic street furniture. ♻️🎨
Transform litter-picking activities into educational experiences. 🧹🎓
Encourage retailers to adopt minimalist packaging approaches. 🛍️📦
Eliminate single-use plastic items and promote reusable alternatives. 🚫🌍♻️
Rearrange public space layouts to include recycling stations. 🔄🗑️♻️
Optimise waste collection routes based on data analytics. 🛣️📊
Create underground bins. Bins that are connected to larger underground storage containers that are removable. 🗑️

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve litter on streets and parks

In ranking the ideas I scored each homelessness idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria:

1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:
1️⃣ Recycling Reinforcement - Total score: 39
2️⃣ Minimalist Packaging Movement - Total score: 38
3️⃣ Plastic-Free Revolution - Total score: 38
4️⃣ Artful Transformation - Total score: 38
5️⃣ Cleanup Incentives - Total score: 38
6️⃣ Educational Litter Experience - Total score: 38
7️⃣ Mobile App Waste Wizard - Total score: 38
8️⃣ Litter Bin Transformation - Total score: 38
9️⃣ Underground bin - Total score 38
🔟 Reconfigured Public Spaces - Total score: 37
1️⃣1️⃣ Create Waste-Free Events - Total score: 37
1️⃣2️⃣ Advocate for Minimal Packaging - Total score: 37
1️⃣3️⃣ Promote Reusable Alternatives - Total score: 37
1️⃣4️⃣ Install Convenient Trash Bins - Total score: 36
1️⃣5️⃣ Integrate Smart Waste Bins - Total score: 36
1️⃣6️⃣ Adopt Artful Litter Bins - Total score: 36
1️⃣7️⃣ Design User-Friendly Mobile Apps - Total score: 36
1️⃣8️⃣ Organize Cleanup Competitions - Total score: 35
1️⃣9️⃣ Launch Education Campaigns - Total score: 35
2️⃣0️⃣ Collaborate with Local Businesses - Total score: 34

Some of these ideas are already in play.

At Disney land, for example, they have a 30-step trash can rule, in that, no rubbish bin will ever be more than 30 steps away from you. They also use art on their rubbish bins to make them look fun and interesting.

And in Holland, they've revolutionised waste management with their underground storage containers. On the pavement, what looks like a normal rubbish bin is actually the top part of a large rubbish container that extends metres below the ground. A special vehicle with a crane comes and lifts the whole bin and container to collect the rubbish, meaning a much less number of collections are required.

I'd like to explore the conveniently placed trash bins, making it effortless for individuals to dispose of waste responsibly. That means more bins closer together. 🚮😊.

Okay, introducing the "Artful Disposal" Initiative: Install creatively designed trash bins, strategically placed throughout public spaces, bringing together functionality and aesthetics to make waste disposal a delightful experience. 🗑️🎨

Key Features:

Convenience: Position trash bins at regular intervals, ensuring easy access for individuals to responsibly dispose of their waste without inconvenience or effort. 🚮😊
Art Integration: Collaborate with local artists to transform trash bins into captivating art installations, turning them into visually appealing elements of urban landscapes. 🖼️🗑️
Functional Design: Incorporate innovative features into the bins, such as separate compartments for recyclables and general waste, promoting sustainable waste management practices. 🔄🗑️♻️
Interactive Disposal Points: Integrate interactive elements, such as sound or light effects triggered upon disposal, creating an engaging and rewarding experience for users. 🎶💡
Community Engagement: Encourage public involvement by hosting art competitions or community workshops, inviting residents to contribute their creativity to the design of the bins. 🎨🤝

Step 4: Solution Implementation to solve litter on streets and parks

What would we need to be mindful of, and have to do to implement an idea like this...

Foreseeable Obstacles:

Potential implementation obstacles: Ensure compatibility with existing waste management systems, obtain necessary permits and approvals, and address any concerns related to public acceptance or vandalism.
Contingency plan: Develop a backup strategy to handle situations like damage to the art installations or technical malfunctions, ensuring prompt repairs and maintenance.

Constructible:

Simplified installation process: Optimize the design of the artful bins for easy installation, considering factors such as size, weight, and accessibility.
Standardized components: Use modular components that can be easily assembled and replaced, minimizing installation complexity and reducing costs.
Collaboration with local artists and fabricators: Engage local talent and manufacturers to streamline the production process, leveraging their expertise to ensure efficient and timely implementation.

Outsourceable:

Artistic design and fabrication: Outsource the artistic design and fabrication of the bins to local artists and specialized manufacturers, fostering creativity and supporting the local art community.
Installation and maintenance: Collaborate with professional installation and maintenance teams, outsourcing these activities to ensure proper installation, routine maintenance, and timely repairs.

By anticipating these potential obstacles, focusing on constructibility, and identifying outsourceable activities, the implementation of the "Artful Disposal" initiative could become quite streamlined, cost-effective, and efficient, bringing the vision of artful bins to life in a way that enhances the environment.

Learnings

Here's y biggest takeaway from this activity:

Who would have thought that rubbish bins could double as urban art installations? It's a reminder that hidden potential can be found in the most unexpected places.

I'd love to know any of your litterbug ideas.

Thanks again for reading, it means a lot to me.

Your thoughts on dissolving problems?

I'd love to know what you're thinking about these issues and your solutions too. Please share some of your thoughts below.

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Day Thirteen - Problem #13. Homelessness.

When I was working in the USA regularly (pre-pandemic and pre-children) I did lots of innovation consulting, training and keynote speaking in California. One thing that shocked me was the number of homeless people. At the time Los Angeles had a homeless population of around 100,000 people.

It's a BIG problem that happens around the world so I thought I'd have a go at solving this problem here.

I did have some experience with this problem, helping a not-for-profit organisation look at some alternative unorthodox ideas to provide short-term accommodation for homeless people. But that was a few years back.

Behind the shadows of city skylines, there lies a multifaceted issue fuelled by behavioural, logistical, and environmental factors. From the lack of affordable housing and job opportunities to mental health challenges and the breakdown of support networks, these forces intertwine to trap individuals in a cycle of homelessness. 🏠💔

But it's not just the financial burden that cities bear. The emotional toll is profound as well. Anxiety, fear, and a decline in community well-being can cast a cloud over our urban landscapes. The costs ripple beyond budgets, affecting the very fabric of our society. 💔😢

Yet, as we navigate through the challenges, we find opportunities for change. By unraveling the complexities of homelessness, we pave the way for innovative solutions and collective action. Together, we can alleviate the financial strain and mend the emotional wounds, creating a city where everyone has a place to call home. 🤝🏙️

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a thought-provoking journey into the heart of homelessness problem-solving. Let's chart a path towards brighter futures and stronger communities! 💡🌟

Here we go...

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of homelessness

In this problem of homelessness, I approach the causes by looking at 3 key areas: 1. Behavioural factors, 2. Logistical behaviours and 3. Environmental factors.

Let's see what is really going on...

1️⃣ Behavioural Factors: When it comes to homelessness, behavioural factors play a significant role. 😔 Various underlying causes can contribute to this complex issue. Challenges such as lack of affordable housing, unemployment, mental health issues, addiction, and breakdown of support networks can trap individuals in a cycle of homelessness. Understanding these factors is key to finding effective solutions.

2️⃣ Logistical factors can create a web of challenges leading to homelessness. 😞 Insufficient access to affordable housing, limited job opportunities, inadequate social support systems, and a lack of affordable healthcare services can all contribute to the vulnerability of individuals and families, pushing them towards homelessness. Identifying and addressing these logistical barriers is essential.

3️⃣ 🌍 Homelessness is influenced by environmental factors that exist within the broader social context. 🤔 Issues like economic inequality, rising housing costs, insufficient social safety nets, and a shortage of emergency accommodation can perpetuate homelessness. Understanding these systemic factors helps us envision comprehensive solutions.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve homelessness

Here are some ideas to deal with this BIG issue of homelessness. To create these ideas I use a number if ideation prompts. Here's what popped up.

🏠 Explore alternative construction materials or techniques to create cost-effective, sustainable, and rapidly deployable housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness. 🏗️💡

🤝 Collaborate with local businesses to develop transitional employment programs, offering job opportunities and skill-building for homeless individuals within the community. 💼👥

🏢 Utilise unused or underutilized buildings as temporary shelters or safe spaces, repurposing them to provide immediate support and a sense of security. 🏘️🔒

💡 Redesign existing social services to provide comprehensive, holistic support that addresses mental health, addiction, employment, and housing needs in an integrated way. 🔄🤝

🏬 Repurpose vacant commercial spaces as "Resource Centres," offering a wide range of services such as job training, counseling, and connections to housing resources. 🏢📚

🏡 Create a "Home-Share" program where homeowners provide spare rooms to individuals experiencing homelessness, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. 🏠🤝

🚍 Establish mobile outreach units that bring essential services, such as healthcare and counseling, directly to homeless individuals in their current locations. 🏥🚐

🏘️ Develop a "Tiny Homes Village" initiative, building compact and affordable housing units in unused or underutilised spaces throughout the city. 🏡🏞️

💼 Implement a "Work-for-Home" program, connecting homeless individuals with employment opportunities and providing on-the-job training to help them regain stability. 💪💼

🚀 Launch a "Housing First" initiative, prioritising immediate access to stable housing as the foundation for individuals to address underlying challenges like mental health or addiction. 🏠🌟

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve homelessness

Utilise unused or underutilised buildings as temporary shelters: 41/50
Explore alternative construction materials or techniques: 40/50
Collaborate with local businesses for transitional employment programs: 40/50
Launch a "Housing First" initiative: 41/50
Redesign existing social services for holistic support: 39/50
Create a "Home-Share" program: 38/50
Establish mobile outreach units: 38/50
Repurpose vacant commercial spaces as "Resource Centres": 38/50
Implement a "Work-for-Home" program: 37/50
Develop a "Tiny Homes Village" initiative: 37/50

The exciting thing about lots of these ideas is that they are quite high-scoring meaning they should not be too difficult to make happen.

I'd like to explore the Tiny Home Village Idea as it can be mobile and fast (once approvals are made).

Step 4: Solution Implementation to solve homelessness

Here's how the three core principles can be applied to the solution of creating a "Tiny Homes Village" for homelessness:

Foreseeable Obstacles:
- Obstacle: Limited available land or zoning restrictions.
  - Contingency Plan: Conduct a thorough assessment of available land and collaborate with local authorities to identify suitable locations. Explore potential zoning changes or exemptions for the project.
- Obstacle: Opposition from nearby communities.
  - Contingency Plan: Develop a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy to address concerns and build community support. Highlight the benefits of the project, such as reduced homelessness and increased safety and security for the community.
- Obstacle: Funding constraints.
  - Contingency Plan: Identify and pursue various funding sources, including government grants, corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising campaigns. Establish partnerships with relevant organisations and explore creative financing models.
Constructible:
- Modular Design: Utilise modular construction techniques to streamline the building process, reduce costs, and ensure consistency in quality and safety.
- Efficient Site Preparation: Implement efficient site preparation methods to minimise disruptions and expedite construction. This may include prepping utility connections, levelling the land, and optimising resource allocation.
- Safety and Security Measures: Incorporate design elements such as adequate lighting, secure entry systems, and surveillance cameras to enhance safety and security within the village.
Outsourceable:
- Construction: Outsource the construction of the tiny homes to professional contractors or prefabrication companies experienced in modular housing construction. This ensures quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
- Utilities and Infrastructure: Collaborate with local utility providers to handle the installation of utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage systems. This ensures compliance with regulations and expert management of infrastructure requirements.
- Support Services: Partner with local social service organisations to outsource the provision of support services, such as counselling, healthcare, and job training, ensuring that the residents of the tiny homes village receive comprehensive assistance.

By applying these core principles, the implementation of a "Tiny Homes Village" could overcome many of the potential obstacles and make it easier to implement. This could really help create a safe, cost-effective, and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Learnings

Here are some of the learnings I got from this activity:

Homelessness is not a problem without solutions, it's an opportunity for creative thinking to shine.
There were a number of ideas worth pursuing further such as using underutilised buildings and the Home-share program. The home-sharing program in Europe is a good example of how this was implemented to help refugees from the Ukraine. Surely it would not take too much to adapt and modify for homeless people.
Homelessness is not a problem that all people in the community want to help deal with. This doesn't seem to make it a priority in decision making or in government funding. THis needs to change if the problem is to be dealt with.

I'd love to know here you stand in this issue. What are your thoughts?

Thanks again for reading, it means a lot to me.

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Day Twelve - Problem #12. Coastal Erosion.

I live by the beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches and in the last few years there's been some major changes to our beaches. The one I live on, was decimated by a super storm not that long ago and led to a very ugly intervention by the council in a fortress-type wall being built on the beach front.

So the reason for attempting to solve this problem is to try and improve the solutions that have been happening, because they are some of the most horrible engineering solutions I've ever seen, and up and down the coast, people are complaining about their beaches being washed away.

In this attempt to solve the problem, I'm attacking it with no coastal engineering experience what so ever. So let's see what happens.

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of coastal erosion

In this problem-dissolving challenge, I approach the causes by looking at 3 key areas: 1. Behavioural factors, 2. Logistical behaviours and 3. Environmental factors.

Here's what I think is really going on...

1️⃣ Behavioural Factors: When it comes to coastal erosion, how we behave plays a significant role, mate. 😐 Unregulated human activities like excessive sand mining 😡 or poorly managed coastal development 🏗️ can mess with the natural processes and make erosion worse. Plus, not having enough awareness and education about the importance of coastal conservation 😔 can lead to unintentional damage.

2️⃣ Logistical Factors: Poor development approvals and buildings encroaching on the foreshore can have a big impact on coastal erosion, my friend. 😕 When construction happens too close to the coastline, it messes up the natural movement of sediment and coastal processes. 🏗️🔄 This meddling disrupts the balance between erosion and deposition, causing erosion rates to skyrocket.

Unchecked development can block the natural flow of sand along the shore, which means eroded areas don't get the sand they need to recover, mate. 😔 This makes the coastline more susceptible to erosion from waves and storms. On top of that, when we remove natural vegetation 🌿 like dunes or coastal plants during development, it weakens Mother Nature's defence against erosion.

Improper land-use practices during construction, like not having enough measures to control sediment 🚧 or ineffective stormwater management systems 🌧️, can speed up erosion by messing with the natural flow of sediment. And if we don't maintain coastal infrastructure like groynes or breakwaters 🏗️ properly, they can also contribute to erosion over time.

3️⃣ Environmental Factors: The coastal environment itself plays a major role in erosion, mate. 🌊 Natural forces such as waves, tides, and storms 🌪️ shape our coastlines, and their strength can have a big impact on erosion. Changes in sea level due to climate change 🌡️ and the frequency of extreme weather events 🌩️ can crank up erosion processes, making our coasts more vulnerable.

Amplified Storm Impact: 🌪️ Global warming turns up the volume on storms, like hurricanes, cyclones, and winter storms. These bad boys bring stronger winds and higher energy waves, creating a wild symphony of power along our coastlines. It's like a storm on steroids! 💨🌊

Wave Erosion: 💥 Brace yourself for the impact! With increased wave power and their relentless frequency, coastlines are caught in a never-ending battle. These waves hit the shore with a mighty force, swiping away sediment and rocking the stability of our coastline. It's erosion on a wild roller coaster ride! 🏄‍♂️🌊🌪️

For where I live the mains causes are poor coastal planning, allowing buildings to built too close to the beach, and the other one is the severity and frequency of storms. What used to be 1 in a 100yr storms are happening every 5 years or so.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve coastal erosion

Here are some ideas to combat the causes. Please note that I purposefully am including some radical ideas. It's all part of the process. Trust me...

Swap out regular sand for a super-durable, erosion-resistant sand substitute. Say goodbye to erosion hassles! 🌪️
Replace natural barriers with state-of-the-art, wave-fighting technology powered by AI. Bye-bye, erosion woes! 😎
Harness the power of offshore wind farms and artificial reefs together! Protect the coast while generating clean energy. Double win! 🌊💨💡
Blend beach nourishment projects with wave energy converters.
Adapt drone tech to monitor erosion-prone areas in real-time. Stay one step ahead of Mother Nature and protect our precious coastlines! 📡🌊
Let machine learning algorithms predict erosion patterns using weather data. Get ahead of erosion with future-forward technology! 📈🌧️
Give coastal engineering a makeover! Create erosion-resistant structures that mimic nature's design. Strong, sustainable, and stylish! 💪🏖️🏗️
Alter sediment transport with smart pipelines.
Transform construction geotextiles into erosion-resistant blankets. Wrap our coastlines in protection and style! 🛡️🏖️
Give discarded oyster shells a new purpose! Restore coastlines with nature's own barriers.
Bid farewell to rigid coastal structures! Embrace soft engineering solutions like mangrove restoration and dune stabilisation. Let nature take the reins! 🌿🌊
Say no to beachfront development! Embrace setback regulations and create natural buffer zones. Protect our shores with smart planning! 🚧🏄‍♀️
Flip the script with managed retreat strategies. Gradually move infrastructure away from eroding coastlines. It's evolution in action! 🚚🌊
Rearrange coastal zoning to prioritise nature-based solutions. Let the shoreline reclaim its strength and beauty. Nature knows best! 🏞️🏖️
Wave Attenuators: 🌊💥 Tame those unruly waves with style! Install wave attenuators or offshore breakwaters strategically to give those waves a serious attitude adjustment. Protecting our coastlines has never looked so cool! 😎🏄‍♂️
Artificial Reefs: 🌊🔧 Get creative with wave management! Construct artificial reefs offshore to break up those wild waves and turn them into a mesmerising aquatic dance. It's like a choreographed performance that keeps our shores safe! 💃🌊
Submerged Coastal Berms: 🌊🌊 Dive into wave energy control! Build submerged berms parallel to the coast to create underwater speed bumps for those energetic waves. Watch them slow down and bow before the force of nature! 🏊‍♀️🌊🛑
Wave Energy Converters: 🌊⚡ Ride the waves of innovation! Harness the mighty power of waves by installing wave energy converters along the coastline. Reduce wave force while turning those powerful surges into clean, renewable energy. Surf's up for sustainability! 🌊🔄💡
Mangrove Restoration: 🌴🌊 Welcome nature's secret weapon! Restore and protect mangrove forests along our coasts. These resilient wonders act as wave superheroes, absorbing the energy and protecting our shores with their mighty roots.

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve coastal erosion

I'll score each aged care shortage problem idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria:

1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:

Say no to beachfront development! (Total score: 40)
Mangrove Restoration (Total score: 39)
Adapt drone tech to monitor erosion-prone areas in real-time. (Total score: 39)
Bid farewell to rigid coastal structures! (Total score: 37)
Swap out regular sand for a super-durable, erosion-resistant sand substitute. (Total score: 37)
Transform construction geotextiles into erosion-resistant blankets. (Total score: 35)
Give discarded oyster shells a new purpose! (Total score: 35)
Let machine learning algorithms predict erosion patterns using weather data. (Total score: 35)
Rearrange coastal zoning to prioritize nature-based solutions. (Total score: 35)
Blend beach nourishment projects with wave energy converters. (Total score: 34)
Give coastal engineering a makeover! (Total score: 34)
Alter sediment transport with smart pipelines. (Total score: 34)
Artificial Reefs (Total score: 33)
Harness the power of offshore wind farms and artificial reefs together! (Total score: 33)
Let machine learning algorithms predict erosion patterns using weather data. (Total score: 35)
Submerged Coastal Berms (Total score: 32)
Wave Energy Converters (Total score: 31)
Replace natural barriers with state-of-the-art, wave-fighting technology powered by AI. (Total score: 30)
Wave Attenuators (Total score: 29)

The idea I want to explore is submerged coastal berms. Here's why, artificial reefs are proven to dissipate energy, but the current way they are constructed is that end up being visible and that means they are ugly as.

Step 4: Solution Implementation to solve coastal erosion

I'm going to work with the submerged berms. Again I'm not an engineer but...

Introducing Submerged Coastal Berms: 🌊🌊 Dive into wave energy control! Imagine strategically placed underwater barriers that work in harmony with the waves, gracefully slowing them down and protecting our precious shorelines. 🏊‍♀️🌊🛑

Here's the lowdown: Submerged Coastal Berms are smart structures designed to combat coastal erosion. These submerged wonders are like underwater speed bumps, positioned parallel to the coast to intercept the energy of powerful waves.

Crafted from durable materials, these berms work their magic beneath the water's surface. By interacting with the waves, they gradually reduce their strength, acting as natural buffers that safeguard our shores.

What's remarkable about Submerged Coastal Berms is their ability to dissipate wave energy while allowing sediment to flow naturally. This means they not only protect against erosion but also maintain the delicate balance of sediment along the coastline.

And what's better is that they can help to create great surfing waves.

What's more, Submerged Coastal Berms blend seamlessly into their surroundings, with no disruption to beach activities or coastal aesthetics. They operate silently, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the shoreline while knowing that these underwater marvels are working their magic.

Now let's look at implementing this while foreseeing obstacles, constructibility, and outsourceability to the implementation of Submerged Coastal Berms:

Foreseeable Obstacles: To anticipate potential obstacles and ensure a smooth implementation of Submerged Coastal Berms, early identification and contingency planning are key. Some potential challenges could include:

Environmental considerations: Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments to address any potential impacts on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Permits and regulations: Stay updated with coastal development regulations and obtain necessary permits to ensure compliance.
Stakeholder engagement: Engage with local communities, government bodies, and environmental organisations to address concerns and gain support for the project.
Financing: Secure adequate funding through government grants, private investments, or partnerships to cover the costs of design, construction, and ongoing maintenance.

Constructibility: Identifying ways to make the construction of Submerged Coastal Berms easier, cheaper, safer, and faster will streamline the implementation process. Consider the following aspects:

Design optimisation: Collaborate with coastal engineers and experts to ensure the design is optimized for ease of construction and effectiveness in reducing wave energy.
Material selection: Explore cost-effective and durable materials suitable for submerged applications, balancing longevity and environmental considerations.
Construction methods: Assess construction techniques that minimise disruption to marine ecosystems, such as precast elements or environmentally sensitive installation procedures.
Project phasing: Plan the implementation in phases to manage resources effectively and allow for continuous monitoring and adjustment based on performance.

Outsourceability: Identifying activities that can be outsourced to streamline the implementation process and reduce costs is essential. Consider the following possibilities:

Construction and installation: Collaborate with specialised marine construction firms experienced in building underwater structures.
Environmental impact assessments: Engage environmental consulting firms to conduct thorough assessments and ensure compliance with regulations.
Monitoring and maintenance: Consider outsourcing long-term monitoring and maintenance activities to specialised firms with expertise in coastal ecosystem management.

Learnings

While the solution I chose to work with (the submerged coastal berms) may not have scored as high) I think that this is a win-win idea in that it can help to facilitate marine life, reduce wave impact, create surfable waves and is not visible.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks again for reading, it means a lot when someone gets a kick out of my stuff :).

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Day Eleven - Problem #11. The lack of aged care workers and support

Today, I'm tackling the important issue of shopping trolleys taking over our streets and parks. 🛒🌳

Now, I know this might not be the most pressing problem in the world, but hey, we've gotta start somewhere, right? Plus, who doesn't love a good challenge? 😜

A little bit of honesty I do remember pushing a friend to the train station in shopping after a very long party night whenI was 18. So I'm guilty of being one these trolley dumping perps, but I have't reoffended, I promise!

So let's get down to business. I heard someone complaining about all these stray trolleys, and I thought to myself, "Nils, let's do something about this!" 💡

I mean, sure, we could all just use our superhuman strength to lift these things back to their rightful homes, but where's the fun in that? Instead, let's come up with a real solution that's both practical and unconventional. 🤔😂

Join me on this journey to rid our streets of these rogue trolleys once and for all!

Step 1: Identifying the real problem behind the lack of aged care workers and support

1️⃣ The Aging Boom: With advancements in healthcare and lifestyle changes, more individuals are living longer, leading to a significant increase in the aging population. While this is wonderful news, it puts a strain on the availability of care workers to meet the growing demand.

2️⃣ Sedentary Lifestyles: As people enjoy longer lives, they may also become more sedentary, resulting in an increased need for support and assistance with daily activities. This shift in lifestyle patterns places additional pressure on the aged care workforce.

3️⃣ Declining Brain Fitness: With age, cognitive abilities may decline, requiring specialized care and attention. This raises the demand for skilled professionals who can provide the necessary support and expertise.

4️⃣ Emotional and Physical Challenges: Aged care work can be emotionally and physically demanding, requiring dedicated individuals with a passion for providing compassionate care. The demanding nature of the job may deter some from pursuing a career in the field.

5️⃣ Workforce Perception: Negative perceptions and stereotypes surrounding aged care work may discourage potential workers from considering it as a fulfilling career choice. Challenging these perceptions and highlighting the rewarding aspects of the job is crucial to attracting new talent.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the lack of aged care workers problem

Here are 20 ideas to solve this issue. The first five are very counter-intuitive and longer term but could make a big difference.

Introduce brain training programs that stimulate mental agility and memory retention, keeping minds sharp and active. 🧠💪
Encourage regular exercise routines that focus on mobility, strength, and balance, promoting healthy aging and reducing the risk of falls. 🏋️‍♀️🤸‍♂️
Organize community events and workshops that educate people on the importance of brain health and provide practical tips for maintaining cognitive vitality. 🌟🧠
Collaborate with local fitness centers and wellness organizations to offer specialized classes and activities designed for older adults, catering to their unique needs and abilities. 💃🚶‍♂️
Develop innovative technologies and apps that gamify brain fitness and mobility exercises, making them engaging and enjoyable for individuals of all ages. 🎮🧩
💰 Offer competitive salaries and attractive benefits to aged care workers, making the profession more enticing.
⚖️ Provide manageable workloads and prioritise work-life balance for aged care workers, promoting well-being and satisfaction.
📄 Simplify administrative processes and reduce paperwork for potential workers, streamlining the onboarding and employment experience.
👍 Promote positive public perceptions and raise awareness about the importance of the aged care profession, encouraging more individuals to consider it as a career.
📚 Create ample opportunities for career advancement and continuous professional development, fostering growth and progression in the field.
🔄 Offer flexible working schedules and accommodations to accommodate personal and professional commitments of aged care workers. When designing new aged care facilities accommodation quarters could be built as part of the development. Giving workers free accommodation.
🙌 Establish a culture of appreciation and recognition for the work of aged care workers, acknowledging their dedication and impact.
🏥 Provide adequate resources and state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the quality of care provided by aged care workers.
🧠 Prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of aged care workers, offering support programs and initiatives to ensure their mental health.
🤝 Foster a collaborative and supportive environment among aged care workers, promoting teamwork, engagement, and mutual assistance.
🤖 Introduce robotic companionship and assistance to support the elderly, relieving some of the burden on human caregivers.
👶 Implement intergenerational care programs, where children and the elderly engage in activities together, fostering a sense of companionship and reducing the demand for exclusive aged care workers.
🎓 Develop specialised training programs and incentives to attract individuals from related fields such as hospitality or customer service, who can adapt their skills to provide personalised care.
⌛ Create flexible work arrangements and part-time options to cater to individuals who may have caregiving responsibilities or other commitments.
🎮 Explore the potential of gamification and virtual reality technologies to enhance elderly care, making it engaging and interactive for both caregivers and recipients.
📲 Streamline administrative processes and paperwork through digital solutions, allowing caregivers to focus more on direct care.
🏘️ Establish community-based care centres where the elderly can receive support while remaining in their homes, reducing the need for institutionalised care.
🎓 Foster collaborations between aged care facilities and educational institutions to create internship programs and attract young talent interested in pursuing a career in aged care.
🤗 Introduce "elderly care buddy" programs where volunteers from the community provide companionship and assistance to elderly individuals, complementing the work of professional caregivers.
📲🩺 Collaborate with technology companies to develop advanced wearable devices and monitoring systems that can provide real-time health updates and alerts, ensuring timely care and reducing the need for constant supervision.

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve the aged care worker shortage ideas

I'll score each aged care shortage problem idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria:
1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:

Encourage regular exercise routines that focus on mobility, strength, and balance, promoting healthy aging and reducing the risk of falls. 🏋️‍♀️🤸‍♂️ (Total score: 43)
Simplify administrative processes, reduce paperwork, and streamline onboarding for aged care workers. 📄 (Total score: 40)
Foster a supportive work environment, provide work-life balance, and acknowledge the dedication of aged care workers. ⚖️🙌 (Total score: 39)
Implement flexible working arrangements, part-time options, and accommodations for aged care workers. 🔄⌛ (Total score: 38)
Streamline administrative processes through digital solutions and leverage technology for direct care. 📲 (Total score: 38)
Organize community events, workshops, and education programs on brain health and cognitive vitality. 🌟🧠 (Total score: 38)
Establish community-based care centers and collaborations with technology companies for advanced monitoring systems. 🏘️📲🩺 (Total score: 37)
Introduce brain training programs and innovative technologies to stimulate mental agility and memory retention, keeping minds sharp and active. 🧠💪🎮🧩 (Total score: 37)
Collaborate with local fitness centers and wellness organizations to offer specialized classes and activities for older adults. 💃🚶‍♂️ (Total score: 37)
Provide resources, state-of-the-art equipment, and prioritize emotional well-being for aged care workers. 🏥🧠 (Total score: 36)
Introduce robotic companionship, intergenerational care programs, and elderly care buddy initiatives. 🤖👶🤗 (Total score: 35)
Explore gamification and virtual reality technologies to enhance elderly care. 🎮 (Total score: 35)
Foster collaborations between aged care facilities and educational institutions to create internship programs. 🎓 (Total score: 35)

Step 4: Solution Implementation to solve the the aged care worker shortage ideas

I'm going to work with both the brain fitness training and physical training ideas. Because the number one reason people end up in aged care is they no longer have the mental capacity or physical ability to manage on their own.
When I look at executing ideas I am mindful of 3 areas - Foreseeable obstacles, 2. ways to make it more constructible and 3. What can I outsource?

Let's go through each principle and see how it can be applied:

Foreseeable Obstacles:

Brain Training Programs: One potential obstacle could be resistance or lack of interest from the target audience. To address this, a contingency plan could involve conducting pilot studies or focus groups to gather feedback and refine the program based on user preferences and needs.
Regular Exercise Routines: A common obstacle is the lack of motivation or adherence to exercise programs. To overcome this, a contingency plan could include incorporating personalised coaching or gamification elements to enhance engagement and provide ongoing support to participants.

Constructible:

Brain Training Programs: To make implementation easier, it would be beneficial to leverage existing technologies and platforms for delivering brain training programs. This could involve partnering with established app developers or utilising online platforms with pre-built frameworks, reducing development time and costs.
Regular Exercise Routines: Making exercise routines more constructible could involve designing user-friendly workout plans that require minimal equipment and can be easily adapted to different fitness levels. Providing clear instructions, video demonstrations, and progress-tracking tools can also enhance the constructibility of the program.

Outsourceable:

Brain Training Programs: Activities that can be outsourced include graphic design for user interfaces, content creation for training modules, and user experience testing. Collaborating with freelancers or specialised agencies can provide cost-effective and expertise-driven solutions.
Regular Exercise Routines: Activities such as exercise instruction, personal training, and program monitoring can be outsourced to qualified fitness professionals or fitness centres. This allows for leveraging their expertise and ensures proper guidance and supervision for participants.

Learnings

After diving deep into the world of shopping trolleys and unleashing some creative problem-solving powers, I've gained some valuable learnings that I'd like to share with you!

"Think outside the trolley!" 🛒💡 Sometimes, the most innovative solutions come from looking at a problem from a completely different angle. Don't be afraid to step out of the conventional path and explore uncharted territories.
"Embrace the quirky and unconventional!" 🤪✨ The road to solving a problem may be paved with unexpected ideas and unorthodox approaches. Embrace the weird, the wacky, and the whimsical, because that's where true innovation often lies.
"Keep a sense of u handy!" 😄🎭 Tackling challenges with a dash of humour can lighten the mood and open up creative avenues. Laughter is the secret ingredient that makes the problem-solving journey more enjoyable and the solutions more delightful.
"Obstacles are just opportunities in disguise!" 🚧🌟 When faced with obstacles, don't lose heart! Instead, see them as stepping stones to greatness. Each challenge presents a chance to innovate, adapt, and emerge stronger on the other side.
"Collaboration makes the trolley go round!" 🤝🔄 Don't underestimate the power of collaboration. By bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, we can create solutions that are more robust, effective, and, dare we say, fun! 🌈🌍

So, my friends, let these learnings be a reminder that innovation is an exciting journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Embrace the adventure, let your creativity run wild, and remember to bring a sense of humour along for the ride. Happy problem-solving! 🚀😊

Now that we've tackled this challenge, why not spread the word ?

Thanks again for reading, it means a lot when someone gets a kick out of my stuff :).

Your thoughts on dissolving problems?

I'd love to know what you're thinking about these issues and your solutions too. Please share some of your thoughts below.

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Day Ten Problem # 10. Shopping trolleys ending up in streets and parks

Day 10 of my problem-solving challenge! Today, I'm tackling the important issue of shopping trolleys taking over our streets and parks. 🛒🌳

So let's get down to business. I heard someone complaining about all these stray trolleys, and I thought to myself, "Nils, let's do something about this!" 💡

Join me on this journey to rid our streets of these rogue trolleys once and for all!

Step 1: Identifying the real problem behind shopping trolleys ending up in streets and parks

So, after some detective work, I've uncovered the top three reasons why shopping trolleys tend to go rogue and end up on the streets and parks, much to the annoyance of our community. 😒

First up, we have the behavioural causes. This includes the lack of motivation and effort from people who just can't be bothered to return the trolley to the designated area. Plus, the temptation to take trolleys beyond the store's vicinity for their own personal use or amusement (I mean, who hasn't wanted to take a trolley for a spin around the block, right? 😜)

Secondly, there's the logistical side of things. Sometimes, stores don't have enough designated trolley return areas, and it's just too much of a hassle for people to walk all the way back to the store entrance to return their trolley. And let's not forget those pesky wheels that seem to have a mind of their own and steer the trolley straight into the path of oncoming traffic. 🚶‍♂️🛒🤦‍♀️

Lastly, we can't forget about the environmental factors. Maybe it's the thrill of seeing a trolley out of place in the wild that entices people to leave them in the middle of the street or park. Or perhaps, it's just the lack of consequences for not returning the trolley that makes people feel like it's no big deal. 🌳🌲🛒

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the shopping trolleys ending up in streets and parks problem

"Get ready for some out-of-the-trolley thinking!

In tackling the problem of rogue shopping trolleys, I've come up with a range of innovative and unorthodox ideas that aim to address the root causes of the issue.

From transforming trolleys into bicycles to using drones for collection, these ideas may seem unconventional, but it's often in the most unexpected solutions that the best innovation lies. So, let's take a look at the list and see if any of these ideas can help put an end to the trolley madness once and for all!

Here we go...

Implement a trolley rental system where customers can rent trolleys for a small fee, reducing the number of trolleys left in public areas. 🛒💰
Introduce a trolley retrieval service where customers can call a hotline to request for trolley pickup and return. 📞🚛
Use GPS technology to track trolleys and send alerts to the store when they are taken beyond the store's vicinity. 🌍🚨
Partner with local schools and community groups to organise trolley art competitions and turn abandoned trolleys into public art installations. 🎨🏫
Train shopping trolleys to return to the store automatically using AI and machine learning technology. 🤖🛒
Design a shopping trolley that transforms into a bicycle, allowing users to cycle their shopping back to their homes and saving them from the hassle of returning the trolley. 🚲🛒
Use drones to collect abandoned trolleys from public areas and return them to the store. 🚁🛒
Introduce a trolley deposit system where customers have to pay a small deposit for using a trolley, which is refunded when they return it. 💰💸
Design an app that rewards customers for returning trolleys to the store, encouraging good behaviour and reducing the number of abandoned trolleys. 📱🎉
Introduce a trolley return lottery system, where every time a customer returns a trolley, they receive a lottery ticket for a chance to win a prize. 🎟️🏆
Partner with local recycling centers to turn abandoned trolleys into recycled materials for use in new products. 🌍🔄
Implement a "trolley amnesty" program, where customers can return abandoned trolleys to the store without penalty. 🕊️🤝
Use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to track trolleys and prevent them from being taken beyond a certain distance from the store. 🔍🚫
Hire "trolley wranglers" to patrol the surrounding areas and collect abandoned trolleys. 🤠🚶‍♂️
Encourage customers to bring their own shopping bags or carts as an alternative to using store-provided trolleys. 🛍️💼

Step 3: Ranking the ideas to solve the shopping trolleys ending up in streets and parks problem

Like for every problem in this challenge I'm using a ranking system to score the ideas.

I'll score each idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria: 1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Here's how they scored:

Partner with local recycling centres to turn abandoned trolleys into recycled materials for use in new products. (38)
Encourage customers to bring their own shopping bags or carts as an alternative to using store-provided trolleys. (36)
Implement a trolley rental system where customers can rent trolleys for a small fee, reducing the number of trolleys left in public areas. (35)
Introduce a trolley deposit system where customers have to pay a small deposit for using a trolley, which is refunded when they return it. (32)
Use GPS technology to track trolleys and send alerts to the store when they are taken beyond the store's vicinity. (31)
Introduce a trolley return lottery system, where every time a customer returns a trolley, they receive a lottery ticket for a chance to win a prize. (30)
Design a shopping trolley that transforms into a bicycle, allowing users to cycle their shopping back to their homes and saving them from the hassle of returning the trolley. (29)
Use drones to collect abandoned trolleys from public areas and return them to the store. (28)
Train shopping trolleys to return to the store automatically using AI and machine learning technology. (27)
Hire "trolley wranglers" to patrol the surrounding areas and collect abandoned trolleys. (26)
Use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to track trolleys and prevent them from being taken beyond a certain distance from the store. (24)
Introduce a trolley retrieval service where customers can call a hotline to request for trolley pickup and return. (23)
Implement a "trolley amnesty" program, where customers can return abandoned trolleys to the store without penalty. (22)
Design an app that rewards customers for returning trolleys to the store, encouraging good behaviour and reducing the number of abandoned trolleys. (21)
Partner with local schools and community groups to organise trolley art competitions and turn abandoned trolleys into public art installations. (20)

Personally I find the trolley lottery idea kind of fun - I'm going to give that a whirl in the implementation part.

Step 4: Solution Implementation to solve the shopping trolleys ending up in streets and parks problem

So, the shopping trolley lottery idea is a fun way to encourage customers to return their trolleys instead of leaving them scattered around like lost sheep. Here's how it works: every time a customer returns a trolley to the designated area, they receive a lottery ticket for a chance to win a prize! 🛒🎟️🎁

Now, in terms of foreseeing obstacles, one potential issue we might encounter is the cost of the prizes. We don't want to break the bank on expensive rewards, but we also don't want to offer something so underwhelming that customers don't bother participating. Our contingency plan for this is to partner with local businesses to provide discounts or gift cards as prizes, making it a win-win for everyone involved. 💰🎁

To make the idea more constructible, we could use technology to automate the process of giving out the lottery tickets. For example, we could install a trolley return station with a scanner that automatically dispenses a ticket for each trolley returned. This would make the process faster and more efficient, while also reducing the risk of human error. 🚀📲

Finally, when it comes to outsourcing, we could enlist the help of local charities or community groups to help with the prize distribution or even the collection of trolleys. This not only gives us a cost-effective way to implement the idea but also helps to build stronger relationships with the local community. 🤝🏢

Overall, the shopping trolley lottery idea is a fun and innovative way to encourage customers to return their trolleys, while also promoting good behavior and community engagement. Plus, who doesn't love the chance to win a prize? 🎉😄

Learnings

After diving deep into the world of shopping trolleys and unleashing some creative problem-solving powers, I've gained some valuable learnings that I'd like to share with you!

"Think outside the trolley!" 🛒💡 Sometimes, the most innovative solutions come from looking at a problem from a completely different angle. Don't be afraid to step out of the conventional path and explore uncharted territories.
"Embrace the quirky and unconventional!" 🤪✨ The road to solving a problem may be paved with unexpected ideas and unorthodox approaches. Embrace the weird, the wacky, and the whimsical, because that's where true innovation often lies.
"Keep a sense of u handy!" 😄🎭 Tackling challenges with a dash of humour can lighten the mood and open up creative avenues. Laughter is the secret ingredient that makes the problem-solving journey more enjoyable and the solutions more delightful.
"Obstacles are just opportunities in disguise!" 🚧🌟 When faced with obstacles, don't lose heart! Instead, see them as stepping stones to greatness. Each challenge presents a chance to innovate, adapt, and emerge stronger on the other side.
"Collaboration makes the trolley go round!" 🤝🔄 Don't underestimate the power of collaboration. By bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, we can create solutions that are more robust, effective, and, dare we say, fun! 🌈🌍

Now that we've tackled this challenge, why not spread the word ?

Thanks again for reading, it means a lot when someone gets a kick out of my stuff :).

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Day Nine Problem # 9. Employee resistance to change in a newly privatised company that was previously a government organisation

👋🏼Welcome to the rollercoaster ride of a newly privatised company!
🎢💸 As we transition from a government organisation to a privately owned entity, we are facing a common problem - employee resistance to change. 🤔💼

But hey, let's not let that stop us from reaching our full potential! 💪🏼✨

Dealing with this resistance is crucial as it can lead to a whole host of problems, such as decreased productivity and low employee morale. 😫👎🏼

However, solving this problem can lead to numerous benefits, such as increased innovation, streamlined processes, and a more positive and engaged workforce. 🚀🌟

So let's put our thinking caps on and tackle this challenge head-on! 💭💪🏼

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of employee resistance to change in a newly privatised company that was previously a government organisation

Employee resistance to change in a newly privatised company that was previously a government organisation can stem from various underlying causes. 🔍

One possible cause is the behavioural factor, where employees may lack the motivation or ability to adapt to changes. This could be due to a lack of understanding of the benefits of the changes or fear of the unknown. 😬

Another cause could be logistical, where employees are not properly equipped with the necessary skills and tools to carry out the new processes. This can lead to frustration and resistance towards the changes. 🛠️

The environmental factor may play a role in employee resistance to change. The market and social spaces may have different expectations and standards, and the work and play spaces may require different attitudes and behaviours. This can cause discomfort and resistance for employees who are used to the old ways. 🌍

But I think the BIG one is workload expectations - the silent killer of employee morale and productivity in newly privatised government organisations. 💼

Let's face it, government organisations may not always be known for their lightning-fast pace and efficiency. 🐢 Employees may have grown accustomed to a certain way of doing things, with plenty of time for tea breaks and office banter. 😜

But when a company goes private, the game changes. Suddenly, there's an expectation to increase productivity and output - and that can be a real shock to the system. 😲 Employees may feel like they're drowning in work and don't have the time or resources to learn new processes or take on new responsibilities.

And that's where the resistance to change can rear its ugly head. Employees may be hesitant to embrace new ways of working because they're already feeling stretched thin. But with the right support and training, we can help employees adjust to the new workload and thrive in their roles. 💪

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the Employee resistance to change in a newly privatised company

To overcome this challenge, it's crucial to explore a wide range of solutions and approaches, even if some of them may appear impractical or unremarkable at first. Remember, no idea is too small or too big when it comes to finding a solution to employee resistance to change.

Here we go...

🤝 Instead of expecting employees to adapt to the new company culture and processes, consider substituting the training programs with personalised coaching and mentorship opportunities.
💼 Eliminate bureaucracy and simplify processes to reduce employee frustration and resistance to change.
💪 Offer incentives for employees to try out new ways of working and provide a supportive environment for them to experiment with different approaches.
😃 Adapt the company's goals and objectives to prioritize employee satisfaction and well-being, rather than just focusing solely on profits and efficiency.
🚀 Offer training and support to employees to help them become more efficient and find ways to streamline processes and reduce workload where possible.
🎓 Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to employees to help them adapt to new processes and technologies and to develop new skills.
🤝 Instead of relying solely on internal resources, put to another use by seeking external help and expertise from industry experts and consultants to provide additional training and support to employees.
🤝 Combine employee training with team-building exercises and social events to create a more positive and cohesive work environment.
🎉 Celebrate employees who find ways to work more efficiently and recognize the importance of productivity in achieving business goals.
🔧 Work to simplify processes and reduce bureaucracy to create a more agile and responsive organization.
👍 Foster a positive and supportive work environment that values employee input and recognizes the importance of employee satisfaction and engagement.
🏢 Rearrange the physical work environment to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation. This could involve redesigning office spaces, implementing flexible working arrangements or introducing new technology and tools to support productivity and innovation.
💬 Regularly solicit feedback from employees and take their concerns into consideration when making decisions that affect them. Create a culture of open communication and transparency to promote trust and collaboration.
🔄 Modify the company's processes to make them more agile and responsive to change, making it easier for employees to adapt to new ways of working.

Step 3: Ranking the Employee resistance to change ideas

Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to employees to help them adapt to new processes and technologies and to develop new skills. (39)
Work to simplify processes and reduce bureaucracy to create a more agile and responsive organisation. (38)
Foster a positive and supportive work environment that values employee input and recognises the importance of employee satisfaction and engagement. (37)
Offer incentives for employees to try out new ways of working and provide a supportive environment for them to experiment with different approaches. (36)
Celebrate employees who find ways to work more efficiently and recognise the importance of productivity in achieving business goals. (35)
Regularly solicit feedback from employees and take their concerns into consideration when making decisions that affect them. Create a culture of open communication and transparency to promote trust and collaboration. (33)
Modify the company's processes to make them more agile and responsive to change, making it easier for employees to adapt to new ways of working. (31)
Eliminate bureaucracy and simplify processes to reduce employee frustration and resistance to change. (29)
Rearrange the physical work environment to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation. This could involve redesigning office spaces, implementing flexible working arrangements or introducing new technology and tools to support productivity and innovation. (27)
Instead of expecting employees to adapt to the new company culture and processes, consider substituting the training programs with personalised coaching and mentorship opportunities. (26)
Adapt the company's goals and objectives to prioritise employee satisfaction and well-being, rather than just focusing solely on profits and efficiency. (25)
Combine employee training with team-building exercises and social events to create a more positive and cohesive work environment. (24)
Instead of relying solely on internal resources, put to another use by seeking external help and expertise from industry experts and consultants to provide additional training and support to employees. (23)

Of these ideas I'd like to explore ideas number 3 and 4 more. Here's a bit more thinking around them:

Foster a positive and supportive work environment that values employee input and recognises the importance of employee satisfaction and engagement. 😊👥💬

Let's face it, happy employees = happy business. By creating a work environment that values employee input and satisfaction, you'll have a team that's motivated, engaged, and willing to go the extra mile. It's like having your own personal cheer squad rooting for your business's success! 🎉💪 Plus, when employees feel heard and appreciated, they're more likely to stay with the company long-term. Who doesn't love a little employee loyalty? 🤝

Offer incentives for employees to try out new ways of working and provide a supportive environment for them to experiment with different approaches. 💡👨‍💼👩‍💼

If you want to encourage innovation and creativity, you have to give your team the chance to experiment with new ideas. Offering incentives for trying out new ways of working is a win-win situation. Not only will your employees feel motivated and valued, but your business will benefit from the new ideas and approaches they bring to the table. It's like a high-stakes science fair, except instead of baking soda volcanoes, you're creating new and exciting ways to run your business. 🧪🌋

Step 4: Solution Implementation to combating Employee resistance to change in a newly privatised company that was previously a government organisation

I'm just going to look at implementing ideas 3 and 4.

Idea : Develop new packaging materials that are inspired by the natural world, such as mushroom mycelium or seaweed-based packaging, as an alternative to synthetic plastics.

Here are some implementation hacks to implementing the solution of developing new packaging materials inspired by the natural world:

Foreseeable obstacles:

Anticipate potential resistance to change from some employees who may be used to a different way of working. Have a plan in place to address this resistance, such as providing additional training or support.
Identify any logistical challenges that may arise from implementing new processes and procedures, such as system updates or workflow changes. Be proactive in addressing these challenges to minimise disruption to employee work.

Constructible:

Create clear and concise communication materials to ensure that employees understand the goals and benefits of the new processes and procedures. This can help to reduce confusion and resistance.
Offer training and support to employees to help them transition to the new processes and procedures. Make sure that the training is practical and hands-on to help employees learn more effectively.
Use technology to streamline and automate processes where possible, making it easier and faster for employees to complete tasks.

Outsourceable:

Identify areas of the implementation process that could be outsourced to third-party providers, such as training or IT support. This can help to reduce the workload on internal employees and ensure that the implementation is completed more efficiently.
Consider using cloud-based software solutions that can be implemented quickly and easily, with minimal internal IT support required.
Use external consultants or experts to provide guidance and advice on implementing new processes and procedures. This can help to ensure that the implementation is completed successfully and with minimal disruption to employee work.

Idea: Offering incentives for employees to try out new ways of working and providing a supportive environment for them to experiment with different approaches

Foreseeable obstacles:

Resistance to change: Some employees may be resistant to change, especially if they are used to working in a certain way. It's important to communicate the benefits of trying new approaches and provide sufficient training and support to help employees adapt.
Inadequate resources: Trying out new ways of working may require additional resources, such as tools, software, or equipment. It's important to ensure that these resources are available and accessible to employees.
Lack of follow-through: It's important to follow through on any promises of incentives or rewards to maintain employee motivation and engagement.

Constructible:

Clear goals and objectives: Clearly defining the goals and objectives of the initiative will make it easier for employees to understand what is expected of them and how their efforts will be rewarded.
Incentive structure: Developing a clear and fair incentive structure will help ensure that employees are motivated to participate in the initiative. This could include rewards such as bonuses, recognition, or opportunities for professional development.
Training and support: Providing adequate training and support will help employees feel confident and capable when trying out new approaches. This could include workshops, coaching, or mentoring.

Outsourceable:

Incentive program design: Designing the incentive program could be outsourced to a consultant or firm with experience in employee engagement and motivation.
Training and support: Providing training and support to employees could be outsourced to an external training provider or consultant.
Incentive administration: The administration of the incentive program could be outsourced to a third-party provider to ensure fairness and accuracy in reward distribution.

Learnings

I learned that fostering a positive and supportive work environment is like giving your employees a big warm hug. It feels good and makes everyone happy.

Along the way, I stumbled upon some unusual ideas, like rearranging the physical work environment to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
I found out that the root cause of your problem wasn't just one thing, but a tangled mess of bureaucracy, resistance to change, and lack of employee engagement.

But with a little bit of witty problem-dissolving, some creative thinking, and a lot of determination, I think I've come up with some solutions that could really help organisations going through that transition.

Now that we've tackled this challenge, why not spread the word and share our success with others in a similar situation?

Thanks so much for reading :).

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Day Eight Problem # 8. Excess plastic packaging

Welcome to the world of excess plastic packaging!

We've all been there, struggling to open a package that's wrapped in layer upon layer of plastic.

I'm sure you also know that every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, harming wildlife and polluting our environment and let's not forget landfill.😱

By dealing with this problem, we can make a huge impact on the health of our planet.

So let's see what ideas we can generate...

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of excess plastic packaging

When it comes to excess plastic packaging, there are several underlying causes that we need to consider.

👉 First up, there's the behavioral factor. Sometimes we just can't resist a product that's got a fancy-schmancy plastic package. Consumers are often drawn to products that are attractively packaged, and this can sometimes lead to excess plastic packaging. Plus, some folks just aren't hip to the whole eco-friendly thing yet. We get it, change can be tough.

👉 The logistical factor also plays a role. Companies love using plastic packaging because it's cheap, easy to mold into all kinds of shapes and sizes, and can protect products during transit. And hey, who doesn't love a good see-through package? It's like peeking into a magical world of consumer goods. Plastic packaging is lightweight, so it's a no-brainer for businesses that need to ship products long distances.

👉 Finally, we can't overlook the environmental factor. Plastic packaging is often seen as a cheaper and more convenient option than alternatives such as paper or glass, and many businesses may be hesitant to switch to more sustainable options due to the perceived cost or logistical challenges. Plus, it's see-through! Did we mention that? Nothing like a little transparency to get the consumer juices flowing.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the excess plastic packaging problem

To tackle this issue, it's important to generate as many ideas as possible, even if some of them may seem unfeasible or unoriginal. This helps to prompt better and more innovative ideas in the long run.

Here we go...

Develop new packaging materials that are inspired by the natural world, such as mushroom mycelium or seaweed-based packaging, as an alternative to synthetic plastics. 🌱
Substitute plastic packaging with edible or compostable alternatives or create products that are designed to decompose and become part of the natural ecosystem. 🌿
Employ people to wrap products in eco-friendly materials like bamboo or biodegradable paper, and modify product designs to reduce the need for excessive packaging. 🧑‍🌾
Use existing packaging materials to create new applications, such as using plastic packaging to create building materials or furniture, to give them a second life and reduce waste. 🔃
Translucent paper-based packaging: While paper is not transparent, some paper-based materials such as vellum or glassine have a translucent appearance and can be used for packaging applications. 📜
These are plastics that break down into natural substances, such as water and carbon dioxide, over time. Some biodegradable plastics have good transparency, such as those made from polylactic acid (PLA) ♻️
Eliminate the need for packaging altogether by creating products that are package-free or by implementing a packaging-free delivery system. 📦❌
Combine existing packaging materials with new technologies to create more sustainable solutions, such as creating a hybrid packaging material made from recycled plastic and seaweed, which is biodegradable and can be composted. 🌍
Cellulose-based film packaging - These are derived from plant-based sources such as wood pulp and have good transparency, making them suitable for packaging applications. 🌿🎥
Use 3D printing to create custom packaging solutions that are tailored to the size and shape of each product, reducing the need for excess packaging. 🖨️
Develop new cost-effective packaging materials that are transparent, such as cellulose-based films made from plant sources. 💰🌿🎥
Encourage consumers to prioritize sustainability over transparency by promoting the environmental benefits of opaque packaging. 🌍🙏
Partner with companies that specialize in eco-friendly packaging to create transparent packaging solutions that are biodegradable and compostable. 🤝🌿
Create guidelines and regulations around the use of transparent packaging, limiting it to only essential products and industries. 📜👮
Explore alternative packaging solutions that don't rely on transparency, such as tactile or scented packaging that enhances the sensory experience for consumers. 🧐👃👀
Promote reusable and refillable packaging options, such as glass or stainless steel containers, that don't require transparency for product visibility. 🔄🔙
Educate consumers on the impact of excess plastic packaging and encourage them to prioritise sustainability over aesthetics, including transparency. 🎓👨‍🎓👩‍🎓

Step 3: Ranking the excess plastic packaging Ideas

There are already some ideas that I want to run with, BUT my mind is biased, that's why I'm using a ranking system to score the ideas.

I'll score each idea out of a total score of 50 based on the following criteria: 1. Ease to implement 2. Potential impact 3. Cost to execute (cheap get's a high score, while expensive gets a low score) 4. Level of certainty 5. Ability to validate

Let's see how that plays out:

Develop new packaging materials that are inspired by the natural world, such as mushroom mycelium or seaweed-based packaging, as an alternative to synthetic plastics. (39)
Use existing packaging materials to create new applications, such as using plastic packaging to create building materials or furniture, to give them a second life and reduce waste. (37)
Substitute plastic packaging with edible or compostable alternatives or create products that are designed to decompose and become part of the natural ecosystem. (34)
Combine existing packaging materials with new technologies to create more sustainable solutions, such as creating a hybrid packaging material made from recycled plastic and seaweed, which is biodegradable and can be composted. (33)
Promote reusable and refillable packaging options, such as glass or stainless steel containers, that don't require transparency for product visibility. (32)
Develop new cost-effective packaging materials that are transparent, such as cellulose-based films made from plant sources. (30)
Educate consumers on the impact of excess plastic packaging and encourage them to prioritise sustainability over aesthetics, including transparency. (28)
Use 3D printing to create custom packaging solutions that are tailored to the size and shape of each product, reducing the need for excess packaging. (27)
Eliminate the need for packaging altogether by creating products that are package-free or by implementing a packaging-free delivery system. (26)
Partner with companies that specialise in eco-friendly packaging to create transparent packaging solutions that are biodegradable and compostable. (24)
Employ people to wrap products in eco-friendly materials like bamboo or biodegradable paper, and modify product designs to reduce the need for excessive packaging. (23)
Translucent paper-based packaging: While paper is not transparent, some paper-based materials such as vellum or glassine have a translucent appearance and can be used for packaging applications. (22)
Cellulose-based film packaging - These are derived from plant-based sources such as wood pulp and have good transparency, making them suitable for packaging applications. (22)
Explore alternative packaging solutions that don't rely on transparency, such as tactile or scented packaging that enhances the sensory experience for consumers. (21)
Encourage consumers to prioritise sustainability over transparency by promoting the environmental benefits of opaque packaging. (20)
Create guidelines and regulations around the use of transparent packaging, limiting it to only essential products and industries. (19)
Something I've learnt from 2 decades of helping people generating breakthrough ideas is quantity overrides quality at the start. The more ideas you have (even if lame) help to prompt better ideas. (16)

Step 4: Solution Implementation to combating excess plastic packaging

While I reckon there are some great ideas, I'm just going to look at implementing one of them–Natural world inspired packaging! Why? Because I'd like to see some big businesses playing in this space.

Idea : Develop new packaging materials that are inspired by the natural world, such as mushroom mycelium or seaweed-based packaging, as an alternative to synthetic plastics.

Here are some implementation hacks to implementing the solution of developing new packaging materials inspired by the natural world:

Foreseeable obstacles: One potential obstacle could be the scalability of production, as some natural materials may be more difficult or expensive to produce at large scale. To mitigate this, it may be beneficial to conduct research and development to find the most viable and cost-effective materials for large-scale production. Another obstacle could be the need for regulatory approval, as new materials may need to meet certain safety or environmental standards. It may be beneficial to involve regulatory agencies early in the development process to ensure that the materials meet all necessary requirements.
Constructible: To make this solution more constructible, it may be beneficial to partner with existing companies that have experience with natural materials and can help with production and distribution. It may also be useful to invest in research and development to identify the most promising natural materials and optimise their properties for use in packaging.
Outsourceable: Certain activities that may be outsourced include research and development, manufacturing, and distribution. By outsourcing some of these activities to specialised companies, it may be possible to achieve cost savings and efficiencies. For example, partnering with a manufacturing company that specialises in natural materials may help to streamline the production process and ensure that the materials meet all necessary standards. Additionally, outsourcing distribution to a logistics company may help to reduce costs and ensure that the packaging materials are delivered to customers in a timely and efficient manner.

Learnings

I had some big epiphanies on this problem dissolving journey. Including...

Turns out, transparency isn't always the best policy - opaque packaging can be just as effective and a lot more eco-friendly 🌍🙌🏼
Who knew mushrooms could save the world? 🍄🌏 Using natural materials like mycelium and seaweed for packaging is not only sustainable, but also kinda cool 😎
We've learned that reducing excess plastic packaging doesn't have to be expensive 💰💸, but it does require creativity and innovation 🧠💡
The benefits of reducing plastic packaging waste are crystal clear (or should we say, translucent paper-based clear) 📦♻️ Not only does it help the environment, but it also creates new opportunities for innovative packaging solutions 👍🏼
When it comes to solving the problem of excess plastic packaging, there's no such thing as a dumb idea 💡🤪 Even the "lame" ideas can lead to breakthroughs, so keep brainstorming and don't be afraid to think outside the box 🌈

I hope this problem dissolving activity has given you some ideas. And hey, if you know anyone working in an industry that is using excess packaging, why not share this blog post with them. Thanks so much for reading :).

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Day Seven Problem # 7. Sky Rocketing Energy Prices

How's your energy bill? If you're like lots of people it's likely to be getting bigger every month, and that has big ramifications for people. I'm curious if I can use some of that innovative problem solving to help address it.

Here's the benefits of looking at this with some fresh eyes:

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of sky rocketing energy prices

Gosh when going through looking at the causes behind this energy problem I realised there were a stack of causes. So many I almost felt like throwing in the towel.

The good news is I use my trusted approach looking at behavioural, logistical and environmental causes. Here's what I came up with:

Raw materials like natural gas and coal can be scarce and expensive, meaning that you might have to sell your left kidney to keep the lights on. 😩

Increasing demand for energy due to population growth, urbanisation, and economic development means that more energy is needed to power homes, businesses, and industries, which can drive up prices 😫.

Like a leaky faucet, energy can get lost on its way to your house thanks to inefficiencies at distribution and supply centres. Can't we just get a plumber for the energy grid? 🚰

Power plants can be as outdated as your grandpa's wardrobe, leading to production costs that are higher than the price of avocado toast. 🥑

It's like everyone is scared of sustainable energy like it's a spider in the corner. But if we don't switch to greener options, we'll end up with a bill so high that it'll make your eyes water. 💧

Ownership structure of energy suppliers can have both positive and negative impacts on energy prices. Private sector energy suppliers may be more focused on maximising profits, which can result in lower prices for consumers, but may also neglect social and environmental considerations 😕. In contrast, state-owned energy suppliers may prioritize social welfare and affordability, but may face higher production costs due to regulations and environmental impact 😔.

The global energy market is more unpredictable than the weather. Just when you thought you had a handle on it, boom! Energy prices are through the roof again. ☔

If energy infrastructure was a person, it would be that friend who always flakes on you last minute. Investing in it could help avoid those awkward moments when your power goes out in the middle of a Netflix binge. 📺

Inefficiencies and limitations in energy storage technologies can make it difficult to balance supply and demand and maintain a stable energy grid, adding costs to energy production 😕.

Energy companies can be as competitive as a game of dodgeball, and sometimes just as ruthless. They'll do anything to make a buck, even if it means hiking up prices and leaving you broke. 🏐

Relying on foreign sources of energy is like borrowing your neighbour's Wi-Fi. Sure, it's convenient, but you never know when they might decide to change their password and leave you in the dark. 🔌

See what I mean! Lot's of causes behind this issue. Now let's see if I can create some new ideas to deal with them.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the energy price problem

Something I've learnt from 2 decades of helping people generating breakthrough ideas is quantity overrides quality at the start. The more ideas you have (even if lame) help to prompt better ideas.

Here we go...

My ideas to tackle this issue include:

🦸‍♀️ Energy generation by customers - empowering customers to generate their own energy through solar panels or wind turbines, to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
💡🌱 Prioritise sustainability and efficiency in energy production and distribution, even if it requires higher initial costs.
🏭🔧 Increase investment in upgrading and maintaining energy distribution infrastructure to minimise energy loss and improve efficiency.
🌟🆕 Invest in and adopt emerging technologies and advancements in energy storage to increase efficiency and minimise energy loss.
💸🌞 Provide tax incentives for energy-efficient practices and renewable energy production.
💰🔬 Increase funding for research and development of sustainable energy technologies.
🌿🌬️ Increase subsidies for renewable energy production and phase out subsidies for fossil fuel production.
🚀🔋 Encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies by reducing tariffs on imported equipment and offering incentives for domestic production.
🌍🌞 Increase investment in renewable energy projects and shift away from fossil fuel production.
🕰️⚡ Use smart meters to monitor energy use and automatically adjust consumption during peak times.
🌀🌊 Use wind turbines to power desalination plants or use solar energy to power electric vehicles.
🏢🌱 Retrofit buildings with energy-efficient technologies or upgrade power plants to use cleaner sources of fuel.
♻️💡 Find new and innovative ways to use energy that would otherwise go to waste, such as using waste heat from power plants to heat homes and buildings.
🌿💡 Focus on reducing our energy needs through conservation and efficiency measures rather than producing more energy.
🌟 Encourage competition in the energy sector to drive innovation and lower prices for consumers. Let's spark some healthy competition! 💪
🌞 Invest in and adopt emerging technologies and advancements in energy storage to increase efficiency and minimise energy loss. Stay on the cutting edge of innovation! 🔬
💰 Provide tax incentives for energy-efficient practices and renewable energy production. Save money while saving the planet! 💰
🚀 Increase funding for research and development of sustainable energy technologies. Let's fuel the future! ⛽
🌿 Increase subsidies for renewable energy production and phase out subsidies for fossil fuel production. Go green and leave the fossils behind! 🌿
💡 Prioritise long-term sustainability and efficiency in energy production and distribution, even if it requires higher initial costs. It pays to be green! 💡
🏭 Increase investment in upgrading and maintaining energy distribution infrastructure to minimise energy loss and improve efficiency. Keep the energy flowing with top-notch infrastructure! 🏭
🌬️ Encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies by reducing tariffs on imported equipment and offering incentives for domestic production. The wind is changing, let's catch it! 🌬️
🔧 Increase regulations and standards for private energy suppliers to ensure efficient and sustainable practices. Keep the power companies in check! 🔧
💡 What if we reversed our approach to energy production and consumption? Instead of trying to produce more energy, what if we focused on reducing our energy needs through conservation and efficiency measures? Let's work smarter, not harder! 💡

Step 3: Ranking The Energy Price Ideas

I'll be using an objective method to rank each idea based on key criteria in order to reach a consensus on the best solutions for cyber bullying.

As for all the problems I'm tackling in this 20 problems solved in 20 day challenge, I use a numeric ranking system based of five criteria that include:

i) Ease to implement 🛠️ ii) Potential impact 🎯 iii) Cost to execute 💰 iv) Level of certainty 🤔 v) Ability to validate ✅

Encourage competition in the energy sector to drive innovation and lower prices for consumers. (42)
Increase regulations and standards for private energy suppliers to ensure efficient and sustainable practices. (41)
Increase investment in upgrading and maintaining energy distribution infrastructure to minimise energy loss and improve efficiency. (38)
Invest in and adopt emerging technologies and advancements in energy storage to increase efficiency and minimise energy loss. (35)
Energy generation by customers (35)
Increase funding for research and development of sustainable energy technologies. (34.4)
Encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies by reducing tariffs on imported equipment and offering incentives for domestic production. (33.2)
Increase subsidies for renewable energy production and phase out subsidies for fossil fuel production. (31.6)
Increase subsidies for renewable energy production and phase out subsidies for fossil fuel production. (31)
Provide tax incentives for energy-efficient practices and renewable energy production. (30)
Increase funding for research and development of sustainable energy technologies. (29)
Increase regulations and standards for private energy suppliers to ensure efficient and sustainable practices. (29.2)
Prioritise long-term sustainability and efficiency in energy production and distribution, even if it requires higher initial costs. (28.4)
Prioritise long-term sustainability and efficiency in energy production and distribution, even if it requires higher initial costs. (28)
Provide tax incentives for energy-efficient practices and renewable energy production. (26.4)
Encourage competition in the energy sector to drive innovation and lower prices for consumers. (25.2)
Encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies by reducing tariffs on imported equipment and offering incentives for domestic production. (25)
Increase investment in renewable energy projects and shift away from fossil fuel production. (23)
Increase investment in upgrading and maintaining energy distribution infrastructure to minimise energy loss and improve efficiency. (22.8)
Invest in and adopt emerging technologies and advancements in energy storage to increase efficiency and minimise energy loss. (21.2)

Based on this criteria, there are 3 ideas that jump out to me:

Increasing investment in upgrading and maintaining energy distribution infrastructure to minimise energy loss and improve efficiency.

This solution addresses the root cause of energy loss in the distribution system. By upgrading and maintaining the energy distribution infrastructure, we can minimise energy loss and improve the efficiency of the system. This will help to reduce energy costs in the long run.

Invest in and adopt emerging technologies and advancements in energy storage to increase efficiency and minimise energy loss.

By investing in emerging technologies and advancements in energy storage, we can improve the efficiency of energy storage and minimise energy loss. This will help to reduce energy costs by ensuring that the energy we produce is being used as efficiently as possible.

Increase subsidies for renewable energy production and phase out subsidies for fossil fuel production.

This solution aims to shift the focus of our energy production away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources. By increasing subsidies for renewable energy production, we can encourage the development and adoption of renewable energy technologies. At the same time, phasing out subsidies for fossil fuel production will make fossil fuels less competitive and encourage the transition towards cleaner sources of energy.

For each of these ideas you could create some further ideas, but you would need a bit more technical knowledge to help generate those ideas.

Let's imagine we were going to implement these three ideas now...

Step 4: Solution Implementation to combating sky rocketing energy prices

Let's try and look at some simple execution of these ideas.

Idea 1: Increase investment in upgrading and maintaining energy distribution infrastructure to minimise energy loss and improve efficiency.

Foreseeable obstacles:

One potential obstacle could be obtaining permits and approvals from local governments and communities. To address this, we can conduct extensive outreach and communication campaigns to educate stakeholders about the benefits of the project and address any concerns they may have. We can also work closely with government officials to streamline the approval process as much as possible.
Another potential obstacle could be the need for extensive construction and repair work on existing infrastructure. To address this, we can conduct thorough inspections and assessments of the infrastructure to identify any areas that require repair or replacement. We can also work with contractors and engineers to develop a detailed construction plan that minimises disruptions to communities and maximises efficiency.

Constructible:

To make the project more constructible, we can leverage emerging technologies and advancements in construction and engineering to streamline the process. For example, we can use 3D scanning and modelling to create detailed plans and reduce the need for manual labor. We can also use innovative materials and equipment to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Another way to make the project more constructible is to prioritise areas with the most significant energy loss and inefficiency. By focusing on these areas first, we can maximise the impact of the project while minimizing costs and disruption.

Outsourceable:

One activity that could be outsourced is the inspection and assessment of existing infrastructure. By working with experienced contractors and engineers, we can ensure that the assessment is thorough and accurate while minimising the workload for our team.
Another activity that could be outsourced is the construction and repair work itself. By working with reliable and experienced contractors, we can ensure that the work is done safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. We can also negotiate favourable pricing and payment terms to minimise costs.

Idea 2: Invest in and adopt emerging technologies and advancements in energy storage to increase efficiency and minimise energy loss:

Foreseeable Obstacles:

One foreseeable obstacle is the high cost of implementing emerging technologies. To mitigate this, we can conduct thorough research and analysis to identify the most cost-effective and efficient technologies before investing in them.
Another obstacle is the lack of skilled workforce and expertise required to operate these technologies. We can address this by providing adequate training and education to our current workforce, and hiring skilled professionals if necessary.

Constructible:

To make this solution more constructible, we can prioritize the adoption of emerging technologies that are already proven to be effective and efficient, rather than experimenting with untested technologies.
We can also partner with established energy technology companies and leverage their expertise and resources to develop and implement these technologies.

Outsourceable:

Some activities that can be outsourced to make this solution more cost-effective include research and development, manufacturing of energy storage systems, and installation and maintenance of these systems.
By outsourcing these activities to third-party companies, we can benefit from their expertise and resources without having to invest heavily in these areas ourselves.

Idea 3: Increase subsidies for renewable energy production and phase out subsidies for fossil fuel production:

Foreseeable obstacles:

Potential political resistance from fossil fuel producers and their supporters.
Lack of public awareness and support for renewable energy.
Limited availability of funding for subsidies.

Contingency plans:

Building strong partnerships and alliances with renewable energy producers, environmental organisations, and other stakeholders to build public support for the transition away from fossil fuels.
Creating alternative funding sources, such as partnerships with private companies or international organisations, to supplement government subsidies.

Constructible:

Developing clear and concise guidelines for the allocation of subsidies to ensure they are used effectively and efficiently.
Investing in renewable energy research and development to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy technologies.
Implementing policies and regulations to create a level playing field for renewable energy producers and ensure that fossil fuel producers bear the full cost of their activities, including environmental impacts.

Outsourceable:

Contracting with third-party organisations to administer the subsidy program, such as accounting and auditing firms to ensure transparency and accountability.
Outsourcing public relations and marketing activities to promote the benefits of renewable energy and build public support.
Partnering with international organisations to share best practices and leverage resources to maximize the impact of the subsidy program.

Learnings

After all that research and idea generation, I bet you've learned a thing or two. Let me share some of the valuable insights I have gained:

There's no such thing as a perfect solution, it's usually a combination. It's all about weighing the pros and cons and finding the one that fits the bill.

I definitely think energy production by customers themselves will go a long way to reduce energy bills and dependence on suppliers, something that needs more work in terms of subsidies, incentives and energy storage solutions.

Governments need to step in more and look at proactive solutions, not leaving it all to the private industry.

There are some private operators that are working to shift to sustainable power in a big way, but they are not motivated to provide lower costs. Subsidies or tax incentives from government can help.

Big problems can be solved. They take more effort but they demand it as they are such important challenges to solve.

If you or anyone else you know is working in the energy industry, please share this with them.

Your thoughts on dissolving problems?

I'd love to know what you're thinking about these issues and your solutions too. Please share some of your thoughts below.

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Day Six - Problem #6. Cyber Bullying

Today, we're tackling a problem that's as serious as it is ubiquitous: cyber bullying.

🤕 It's an issue that affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, and in all corners of the globe.

But make no mistake - this is a problem worth dealing with.

By working to eliminate cyber bullying, we can make the internet a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.

We can foster a culture of kindness and respect, promote mental health and well-being, and ensure that all voices are heard and valued. So let's get started! 🚀

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of cyber bullying

🤔 Cyberbullying is a serious problem that affects many people, especially young people. To identify the underlying causes of this issue, we need to look at it from a Behavioural, Logistical, and Environmental perspective. 🧐

From a behavioural perspective, cyberbullying may be caused by a lack of empathy or understanding of the consequences of one's actions. It may also be a result of low self-esteem or a need for power and control over others. 😔

Logistically, the ease of access to social media platforms and online communication tools may contribute to cyberbullying, as it is easier to hide behind a screen and say hurtful things without immediate consequences. The anonymity provided by the internet can also embolden people to behave in ways they may not otherwise do in real life. 📱

From an environmental perspective, societal norms and values may contribute to cyberbullying. For example, if aggressive behaviour is seen as acceptable in certain online communities or among certain groups, it may be more likely to occur. Additionally, the lack of regulation or enforcement of laws and policies around online harassment may contribute to a culture where cyberbullying is tolerated or even encouraged. 🌍

To prevent cyberbullying, it is important to address these underlying causes. This may involve promoting empathy and respect for others, providing education and resources to help individuals understand the impact of their online behaviour, and strengthening laws and policies to hold cyberbullies accountable for their actions. 🤝

Let's move onto to seeing what ideas we can generate to solve it.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the cyber bullying problem

1️⃣ Show cyberbullies and their victims that bullying isn't cool. 🚫😡 Use testimonials and educational resources that encourage empathy and respect.

2️⃣ Make it harder for cyberbullies to hide by requiring users to verify their identity with an email or phone number. 📧📱 And, keep a close eye on suspicious activity.

3️⃣ Get media outlets and popular influencers on board to promote positive online behavior. 👍💻 Think social media campaigns, public service announcements, and resources that help create a kinder and more inclusive culture.

4️⃣ Foster respect and empathy online with moderated forums, community guidelines, and user reporting mechanisms. 💬💕 Together, we can make online spaces safer for all.

5️⃣ Make it clear that cyberbullying is not okay, and enforce it. 💪🚫 Tougher laws and penalties for bullies, plus education and resources for victims, can help prevent cyberbullying in the first place.

6️⃣ Introduce a new online platform that rewards kindness and respect. 🏆🤗 A social network that encourages positive communication can help promote a culture of kindness.

7️⃣ Put machine learning to work to automatically detect and flag cyberbullying. 🤖🔍 The quicker we can identify bullying behavior, the quicker we can put a stop to it.

8️⃣ Tailor training and education to different age groups, cultures, and demographics. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🌍 By addressing the unique challenges and issues related to cyberbullying in each group, we can help prevent it.

9️⃣ Ensure that cyberbullies face stricter penalties for their actions. 💰👨‍⚖️ The threat of legal action or social consequences can discourage people from engaging in cyberbullying.

🔟 Use social media platforms to spread anti-cyberbullying messages and campaigns. 📣👥 Viral challenges or hashtag movements can get people talking and help to raise awareness.

1️⃣1️⃣ Eliminate anonymity online to make it easier to hold cyberbullies accountable for their actions. 🕵️‍♀️🔒 By removing the ability to remain anonymous, we can make cyberbullying less attractive.

1️⃣2️⃣ Reward online users who report instances of cyberbullying. 🏅👀 By incentivizing reporting, we can encourage people to speak up and help prevent cyberbullying.

Step 3: Ranking The Cyber Bullying Ideas

i) Ease to implement 🛠️ ii) Potential impact 🎯 iii) Cost to execute 💰 iv) Level of certainty 🤔 v) Ability to validate ✅

Use social media platforms to spread anti-cyberbullying messages and campaigns. Total score: 46/50
Create awareness campaigns that showcase the negative impact of cyberbullying on both victims and perpetrators. Total score: 41/50
Reward online users who report instances of cyberbullying. Total score: 40/50
Implement stricter security protocols and identity verification measures on online platforms to prevent cyberbullying and ensure that users are held accountable for their actions. Total score: 36/50
Partner with media outlets and popular influencers to create positive messaging around online behavior and respectful communication. Total score: 36/50
Strengthen existing laws and regulations related to online harassment and cyberbullying, and work to enforce them more effectively. Total score: 34/50
Develop customized training and educational programs for different age groups, cultures, and demographics. Total score: 34/50
Implement stricter policies and penalties for cyberbullying. Total score: 34/50
Create a culture of respect and empathy online through community-based initiatives. Total score: 34/50
Integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into social media platforms to automatically detect and flag cyberbullying. Total score: 26/50
Eliminate anonymity online to make it easier to hold cyberbullies accountable for their actions. Total score: 32/50
Create a new online platform that encourages positive communication and behaviour, such as a social network that rewards kindness and respect. Total score: 24/50

Based on this criteria, there are 2 ideas that jump out to me:

Incentivising individuals to report instances of cyberbullying:
💡👀 Let's give some online justice! By incentivising individuals to report instances of cyberbullying, we can start holding these bullies accountable.

From cool badges to cold hard cash, we'll reward those who speak up and help prevent further incidents from occurring. It's easy to implement too!

Most platforms already have a reporting mechanism in place, so let's give people a little something extra for doing the right thing.

Make it harder for bullies to hide behind fake identities:
🛡️😎 Cyberbullies, beware! We're implementing stricter security protocols and identity verification measures on online platforms to make it harder for you to hide behind fake identities.

No more anonymous harassment here! By holding users accountable for their actions, we can make a real impact on the prevalence of cyberbullying.

Sure, it may require some changes to the way online platforms operate, but it's worth it to make the internet a safer place for everyone. And we can track the results to prove it!

Step 4: Solution Implementation to Cyber Bullying

🤔 I've decided to try out the implementation for two ideas. 1️⃣ Rewarding those who report it 2️⃣ Implementing stricter security and verification to remove anonymity.

First, here's a little bit more about the ideas.

Reward online users who report instances of cyberbullying:

This idea involves incentivising individuals to report cyberbullying when they witness it online. By rewarding users who report instances of cyberbullying, we can encourage more people to speak up and help prevent further incidents from occurring. Rewards could include anything from badges or certificates to monetary compensation or other tangible benefits.

The ease of implementation for this idea is quite high, as most online platforms already have some mechanism in place for users to report inappropriate behaviour. However, it may require some additional resources to implement a reward system and track the effectiveness of the program.

The potential impact of this idea is also quite good, as increasing the number of reports of cyberbullying can lead to greater accountability for bullies and increased awareness of the issue. The cost to execute this idea is moderate, as some investment in resources may be required to set up and maintain the reward system. The level of certainty and ability to validate the effectiveness of this idea is also high, as it is easy to track the number of reports and measure the impact of the reward system.

And the next idea... Implement stricter security protocols and identity verification measures on online platforms to prevent cyberbullying and ensure that users are held accountable for their actions:

This idea involves making it more difficult for individuals to hide behind fake identities or remain anonymous while engaging in cyberbullying.

By implementing stricter security protocols and identity verification measures, we can make it easier to hold cyberbullies accountable for their actions and reduce the prevalence of cyberbullying overall.

The ease of implementation for this idea is moderate, as it may require some significant changes to the way online platforms operate. However, there are already some platforms that use two-factor authentication and other security measures to verify user identities.

The potential impact of this idea is quite high, as it can make it much more difficult for individuals to engage in cyberbullying anonymously.

The cost to execute this idea is also moderate, as there may be some investment required to develop and implement more advanced security protocols.

The level of certainty and ability to validate the effectiveness of this idea is high, as it is possible to track the number of instances of cyberbullying and measure changes in behaviour as a result of implementing stricter security protocols.

Okay so let's look at how to making implementing these anti-cyberbullying ideas as easy as a walk in the park. 🌳

Incentivising individuals to report instances of cyberbullying:

Foreseeable obstacles: 😕
For the first solution of rewarding online users who report instances of cyberbullying, a potential obstacle could be a lack of interest or participation from users.

To overcome this, a contingency plan could be to partner with organisations that have a vested interest in preventing cyberbullying, such as schools, parent associations, or mental health groups. These organisations could help promote the reward program and encourage their members to report instances of cyberbullying.

Constructible: 🔨
Making the reward program constructible could involve using existing features and tools within the online platform to minimise the need for additional resources.

For example, creating badges or certificates for users who report cyberbullying could be a low-cost way to reward users and increase participation.

Additionally, using gamification techniques such as point systems or leaderboards could make the program more engaging and encourage users to participate.

Outsourceable:
Outsourcing activities could involve partnering with third-party organisations to manage the reward program and track user participation. These organisations could also handle the distribution of rewards, freeing up internal resources to focus on other aspects of the anti-bullying initiative.

Make it harder for bullies to hide behind fake identities:

1. Foreseeable obstacles:
For implementing stricter security protocols and identity verification measures, a potential obstacle could be resistance from users who value their privacy. A contingency plan could be to provide clear and transparent communication to users about the importance of implementing these measures and how they will benefit from increased safety and accountability.

2. Constructible:
Making it constructible could involve partnering with companies that specialise in identity verification and security protocols. These companies could provide pre-built solutions that can be easily integrated into the online platform, minimising the need for in-house development and reducing the cost and time required for implementation.

3. Outsourceable:
For the second solution, outsourcing activities could involve working with external consultants or security experts to assess the online platform's current security measures and identify areas for improvement. These consultants could also provide guidance on the best practices for implementing new security protocols and identity verification measures.

Learnings

As I went through my trusted problem dissolving process for this cyber bullying problem, I was drawn to those two big ideas incentivising reporting in a gamification way and eliminating the animosity.

I get the feeling that once one big social media platform starts doing it, the others will follow suite.

If you or anyone else you know is working in the big social media platform companies, please share this with them.

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Day Five - Problem #5. Excess Landfill

Did you know that every year, the average person in the UK generates around 400 kilograms of waste?

In the USA, that number jumps to a whopping 700 kilograms per person per year, and in Australia, it's even higher at around 1,200 kilograms per person per year.

And where does all that waste end up? You guessed it - landfills! 🗑️ But excess landfill is not just an eyesore, it's also a ticking time bomb for the environment. 🌍

In short, the benefits of dealing with excess landfill are numerous and far-reaching, from protecting the environment to supporting local communities and sustainable industries.

So let's roll up our sleeves and get to work on implementing these innovative solutions! 🙌

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of excess landfill

Excess landfill is a 🌍 BIG PROBLEM 🌍, but with the right approach, we can tackle it head-on!

To get to the root of the issue, we need to examine the underlying causes from all angles 🤔.

That means looking at the way people behave, the processes they use, and the environment they're in 🌳.

On the behavioural side, we might find that people simply don't know enough about waste reduction and proper disposal 🤷‍♀️.

Or maybe they don't feel motivated to change their habits because it seems too difficult or expensive 😩. By understanding these factors, we can develop strategies to incentivise sustainable behaviour and make it easy and accessible for everyone ♻️.

Logistically, we may be able to identify inefficiencies in waste management systems or a lack of investment in recycling infrastructure 🚮.

These issues can be addressed through policy changes, technological innovations, and investment in green infrastructure 💡.

And let's not forget about the environmental factors! Rapid population growth and globalization have led to more waste than ever before 🌍.

By considering these broader trends, we can develop more sustainable products and packaging and support the growth of circular economies that minimize waste and maximize resources 💚.

So, if we want to make a real difference in the fight against excess landfill, let's get to work! By addressing the underlying causes of the problem, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for everyone 🌟.

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the excess landfill problem

Substitute single-use products with reusable alternatives 😎🔄
Substitute traditional packaging materials with biodegradable or compostable alternatives 🌍🌿
Substitute landfill sites with waste-to-energy facilities 🔥💡
Combine waste reduction campaigns with rewards programs to incentivise sustainable behaviour 🏆🌿
Adapt existing waste management systems to be more efficient and sustainable 💪🌍
Adapt regulations and policies to promote sustainable waste management practices 📜🌿
Modify the design of products to make them easier to recycle or compost ♻️👨‍🔧
Modify the layout of cities to make recycling and waste reduction more accessible and convenient 🏙️🚮
Develop innovative uses for waste materials, such as using recycled plastics to make building materials or furniture 🚧🪑
Repurpose landfill sites as parks or green spaces 🏞️🌳
Eliminate unnecessary packaging or reduce the amount of packaging used for products 🚫📦
Eliminate single-use products altogether, replacing them with reusable alternatives 🔄🌿
Instead of relying on individuals to sort their waste, reverse the responsibility and require manufacturers to produce products that are easily recyclable or compostable ♻️🏭
Create a tax on landfilling to incentivise waste reduction and recycling 💰🌍
Developing more effective waste management systems, such as composting or waste-to-energy technologies 💪🔥
Implementing education and awareness campaigns to teach people about the importance of waste reduction and sustainable practices 📚🌿
Investing in green infrastructure, such as recycling facilities and waste collection services 🌳🏭
Encouraging the development of circular economies that minimize waste and maximize resource use 🔄🌍
Encourage businesses to use more sustainable packaging materials, such as biodegradable plastics or reusable containers 🌿📦
Create advertisements that promote the use of reusable products and encourage people to reduce their waste 🎥🌿
Create incentives for people to recycle, such as rewards programs or discounts on products made from recycled materials 🎁🔄
Implement policies that promote recycling and incentivise waste reduction, such as landfill taxes or recycling targets 📜🎯

Step 3: Ranking The Excess Landfill Ideas

In order to reach a consensus on the best solutions for excess landfill, I'll be using an objective method to rank each idea based on key criteria.

As for all the problems I'm tackling in this 20 problems solved in 20 day challenge, I use a numeric ranking system based of five criteria that include:

i) Ease to implement 🛠️ ii) Potential impact 🎯 iii) Cost to execute 💰 iv) Level of certainty 🤔 v) Ability to validate ✅

Here's how these ideas scored:

Create a tax on landfilling to incentivise waste reduction and recycling. (43)
Encourage businesses to use more sustainable packaging materials, such as biodegradable plastics or reusable containers. (40)
Implementing education and awareness campaigns to teach people about the importance of waste reduction and sustainable practices. (39)
Developing more effective waste management systems, such as composting or waste-to-energy technologies. (38)
Implement policies that promote recycling and incentivise waste reduction, such as landfill taxes or recycling targets. (38)
Adapt regulations and policies to promote sustainable waste management practices. (37)
Modify the design of products to make them easier to recycle or compost. (37)
Adapt existing waste management systems to be more efficient and sustainable. (36)
Develop innovative uses for waste materials, such as using recycled plastics to make building materials or furniture. (36)
Create advertisements that promote the use of reusable products and encourage people to reduce their waste. (35)
Repurpose landfill sites as parks or green spaces. (34)
Eliminate unnecessary packaging or reduce the amount of packaging used for products. (33)
Eliminate single-use products altogether, replacing them with reusable alternatives. (33)
Encouraging the development of circular economies that minimise waste and maximize resource use. (33)
Modify the layout of cities to make recycling and waste reduction more accessible and convenient. (32)
Substitute landfill sites with waste-to-energy facilities. (31)
Create incentives for people to recycle, such as rewards programs or discounts on products made from recycled materials. (30)
Combine waste reduction campaigns with rewards programs to incentivise sustainable behaviour. (29)
Substitute traditional packaging materials with biodegradable or compostable alternatives. (28)
Instead of relying on individuals to sort their waste, reverse the responsibility and require manufacturers to produce products that are easily recyclable or compostable. (28)
Substitute single-use products with reusable alternatives. (26)
Modify the layout of cities to make recycling and waste reduction more accessible and convenient. (26)

Step 4: Solution Implementation to Excess Landfill

I've decided to try out the implementation for the composting and waste to energy technology idea.

First, here's a little bit more about the idea.

Developing effective waste management systems, such as composting and waste-to-energy technologies, might just be the solution we need! 🌱🔌

Composting takes organic waste and turns it into nutrient-rich compost, perfect for supporting plant growth and reducing the need for harmful chemical fertilisers. Plus, it helps to divert waste from landfills, reducing the amount of space needed for waste disposal.

Waste-to-energy technologies are another option, turning waste materials into usable energy, like electricity or heat. This not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a source of renewable energy.

Sure, implementing these technologies on a large scale can be a challenge, but with the right investment and infrastructure, it's possible to make a significant impact.

Now onto the implementation.

When implementing composting and waste-to-energy technologies, it's important to anticipate potential roadblocks and have a contingency plan in place.

Foreseeable obstacles:
One potential obstacle for implementing composting and waste-to-energy technologies is the lack of infrastructure and facilities to support them. To address this, we can identify potential locations for these facilities and work with local authorities to secure necessary permits and approvals early on in the project.

We can also anticipate potential pushback from community members and have a plan in place for addressing their concerns and educating them on the benefits of these technologies.

Constructible:
To make the implementation of composting and waste-to-energy technologies more constructible, we can explore modular designs and prefabricated construction methods.
This can help to reduce costs and construction time, as well as increase safety by minimising the amount of on-site construction work required. Additionally, we can work with suppliers to source high-quality materials at a lower cost, and incorporate automation technology to increase efficiency and reduce labour costs.

Outsourceable:
There are several activities that can be outsourced to make the implementation of composting and waste-to-energy technologies more cost-effective and efficient. These include site preparation, excavation, and installation of equipment.

By outsourcing these activities to reputable and experienced contractors, we can ensure that they are done safely and to a high standard, while also reducing the workload of our in-house team.

Learnings

As I went through the research and idea generation process for this landfill problem, I was surprised how many ideas are possible. I chose the compost and waste to energy idea because it was a high scoring idea and could have some great impact.

If you work in industry or waste management or planning, I hope these ideas help you to tackle and eliminate this nasty problem.

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Day Four - Problem #4. Housing affordability

🏠🤔 Are you tired of feeling like you'll never be able to afford your dream home?

We get it. The housing affordability crisis is real, and it's affecting more and more people every day. But fear not! There's hope on the horizon.

By addressing the underlying causes of this problem, we can create a world where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. 🌎🤝 Imagine a future where housing is no longer a luxury, but a basic human right.

💪 So let's roll up our sleeves and get to work! The benefits of solving this problem are immense, from reducing homelessness and poverty to boosting economic growth and creating thriving communities.

Together, we can make the dream of affordable housing a reality.

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of housing affordability

Are you tired of hearing the phrase "housing affordability crisis" everywhere you turn? 😩 Yeah, us too. But instead of throwing in the towel, let's dig a little deeper into the underlying causes:

Behavioral factors:
• People are multiplying like rabbits 🐰, leading to a skyrocketing demand for housing
• Our society is aging faster than the cast of The Golden Girls 👵, with more single-person households than ever before
• Consumer preferences for larger homes or specific locations are adding to the demand 😍
• Income inequality is making it difficult for low-income individuals and families to afford housing 💰

Logistical factors:
• Zoning laws and land-use restrictions are limiting the supply of available housing 🚫
• Slow new housing development is exacerbating the supply shortage 😩
• The cost of construction and materials is going up faster than a hot air balloon 🎈, making it more expensive to build new housing
• Financing options are about as easy to find as a unicorn 🦄 in the wild, making it tough for buyers to snag a mortgage or loan

Environmental factors:
• Changes in the job market are impacting demand for housing in specific areas 🏢
• Interest rates and the overall economy are as unpredictable as the weather 🌦️, impacting housing affordability and availability of financing
• Government policies such as tax policies or housing subsidies can impact the housing market 🏛️

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the housing affordability problem

Welcome to the idea generation section of this problem, where I try not settle for the same old boring solutions - here, it's about thinking outside the box (and sometimes even outside the galaxy 🚀).

Encourage people to live in tiny homes, reducing the amount of space needed and allowing for more affordable housing options. 🏠👥
Implement a universal basic income policy that provides everyone with enough income to afford basic housing, reducing income inequality and making housing more accessible for all. 💰🏡
Create a co-housing community that allows for shared resources and space, reducing the cost of living for all residents. 🤝🏠
Partner with local farms to provide housing for workers in exchange for labor, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties. 🌾🏠
Develop modular housing units that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for quick and affordable construction and deconstruction. 🏗️🏠
Substitute the traditional 30-year mortgage with more flexible and affordable financing options. 💳💰
Combine modular housing units to create more affordable multi-family homes. 🏠👥
Combine social impact investing with traditional real estate development to create more affordable housing options. 💰🏠
Convert semi-vacant commercial buildings into affordable housing units. 🏢🏠
Adapt zoning laws to allow for more diverse and affordable housing options. 🏠🏘️
Modify building codes to allow for smaller, more affordable housing units. 🏠📏
Modify tax incentives to encourage developers to build more affordable housing units. 💰🏠
Put abandoned or foreclosed homes to use as affordable housing options. 🏠🔑
Put unused land to use for community land trusts, which can help to preserve affordable housing options in the long-term. 🌳🏠
Reverse the trend towards gentrification by investing in affordable housing options in previously neglected areas. 👥🏠
🌇 Move away from continually expanding big cities and work on developing regional towns.

Step 3: Ranking The Housing Affordability Ideas

We all have our personal biases and favourite concepts, but to reach a consensus, we need a fair and impartial system. Let's put our preferences aside and rank these solutions using an objective method.

As for all the problems I'm tackling in this 20 problems solved in 20 day challenge, I use a numeric ranking system based of five criteria that include:

i) Ease to implement 🛠️ ii) Potential impact 🎯 iii) Cost to execute 💰 iv) Level of certainty 🤔 v) Ability to validate ✅

Here's how these ideas scored:

Implement a universal basic income policy that provides everyone with enough income to afford basic housing, reducing income inequality and making housing more accessible for all. (42)
Encourage people to live in tiny homes, reducing the amount of space needed and allowing for more affordable housing options. (40)
Create a co-housing community that allows for shared resources and space, reducing the cost of living for all residents. (38)
Combine modular housing units to create more affordable multi-family homes. (37)
Convert semi-vacant commercial buildings into affordable housing units. (36)
Modify building codes to allow for smaller, more affordable housing units. (34)
Develop modular housing units that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for quick and affordable construction and deconstruction. (32)
Put unused land to use for community land trusts, which can help to preserve affordable housing options in the long-term. (31)
Substitute the traditional 30-year mortgage with more flexible and affordable financing options. (30)
Partner with local farms to provide housing for workers in exchange for labor, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties. (29)
Adapt zoning laws to allow for more diverse and affordable housing options. (28)
Move away from continually expanding big cities and work on developing regional towns. (26)
Combine social impact investing with traditional real estate development to create more affordable housing options. (25)
Reverse the trend towards gentrification by investing in affordable housing options in previously neglected areas. (23)

Step 4: Solution Implementation to Housing Affordability

To be frank, executing any idea is bound to encounter hurdles, so let's brace ourselves. I won't be delving into every idea, just focusing on one idea. I really like the tiny homes concept. Not just because it scores well, but because it is also about reusing shipping containers.

Now, let's figure out how to make this tiny homes idea go down as effortlessly as a spoonful of Nutella. 😋

Foreseeable obstacles 🚧:
We need to be proactive in identifying any potential hurdles to implementing the tiny homes idea 🏡, such as zoning laws or building permits.

Once we've identified these obstacles, we can develop a contingency plan 📜 to overcome them and keep the project moving forward 🚀.
Constructible 🛠️:
To make the construction of the tiny homes easier, cheaper, safer, and faster, we can explore the use of prefabricated materials 🏭, modular designs 🧩, and smart home technology 🤖.

These strategies can help streamline the construction process and ensure that the final product is both functional and attractive 🏠.
Outsourceable 💼:
Some of the activities involved in the implementation of the tiny homes idea can be outsourced to third-party contractors or service providers. For example, we could contract with a construction company 🏗️ to handle the actual building of the homes, or with a marketing agency 📈 to help promote the idea and generate interest among potential buyers or investors 💰.

By outsourcing certain tasks, we can free up our own resources and focus on the core elements of the project 🎯.

Learnings

As I went through this research and idea generation process, I learned that finding solutions to complex problems requires a combination of creativity and practicality.

By thinking outside the box and exploring unorthodox ideas, I discovered that sometimes the most effective solutions are the ones that challenge the status quo and is collaborative–

You can't build a tiny home by yourself (well, you could, but it would take a while).

The same goes for solving complex issues like housing affordability. Working together and pooling our expertise can lead to some truly innovative ideas.

The road to finding a solution to housing affordability may be a tough one, but that doesn't mean it should be avoided. I'm glad to have had a crack at it.

Your thoughts on dissolving problems?

I'd love to know what you're thinking about these issues and your solutions too. Please share some of your thoughts below.

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Day Three - Problem #3. Gender Pay Gap

Ah, the gender pay gap 😒. It's like a stubborn stain on society's shirt that just won't come out 🤦‍♀️.

But unlike that shirt, we can't just throw it away and buy a new one. We need to deal with it 💪. And why bother, you ask?

Well, aside from the fact that it's unfair and discriminatory 🤨, studies have shown that closing the gender pay gap can actually boost the economy 💰💸 and improve overall job satisfaction 😊.

Plus, who doesn't want to be part of a world where everyone gets paid what they deserve?

Let's scrub away that stain and create a brighter future for all ✨🌟.

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of the gender pay gap

Alright folks, let's talk about the gender pay gap. You know, that thing where women get paid less than men for doing the same job? Yeah, it's not a myth, it's a real problem.

So, what's causing this imbalance, you ask? 🤔 Well, let's break it down into three categories: Behavioural, Logistical, and Environmental factors. Don't worry, it's not as boring as it sounds. 😴

First up, Behavioural factors. Turns out, we humans have a little thing called bias and stereotypes that can affect how we evaluate and pay our fellow humans. And even though women may have the skills to negotiate for better pay, they're often less likely to do so (studies show they're often less likely to do so). Why? Beats me. 🤷‍♀️ Maybe they don't think they should have to or that they just assume they're already being paid fairly.

Next, Logistical factors. Women are often shoved into lower-paying jobs and industries, while men hog all the higher-paying gigs. And when it comes to getting hired or promoted, women may face discrimination. Plus, not knowing how much their colleagues are making can make it harder for women to ask for a raise. 😒

Last but not least, Environmental factors. Society's attitudes towards women's work can be a bit outdated, to say the least. And public policy isn't exactly doing a stellar job of supporting women's work-life balance. Oh, and let's not forget the lack of diversity and inclusion policies in many workplaces. 🙅‍♀️

So, what can we do to fix this mess? It's going to take some serious effort from all of us. We need to shift our attitudes and cultural norms, demand fair and transparent compensation practices, and push for policies that support working women. And hey, if you're a boss, pay your female employees what they deserve, okay? It's not rocket science. 🚀

Step 2: Generating unorthodox ideas to solve the gender pay gap

Offer financial incentives to companies that achieve gender pay equality 💰
Introduce laws and regulations that require companies to disclose gender pay gaps publicly 📝
Create a system that makes it easier for women to negotiate higher salaries 💸
Increase taxes on companies with significant gender pay gaps 📈
Promote gender diversity in leadership roles by implementing quotas for female representation 🙋‍♀️
Provide educational resources for young girls to encourage them to pursue higher-paying careers 📚
Hold workshops for managers to address and overcome unconscious bias in the workplace 🧑‍🏫
Create a mentorship program to help women advance in their careers and negotiate salaries 👩‍🏫
Create a pay equity task force that includes employees from diverse backgrounds to ensure that compensation packages are fair and equal 👥
Partner with companies that offer child-care services to provide childcare support to working mothers, thereby removing one of the major barriers to women's career advancement 🤱
Develop a pay transparency app that allows employees to compare their salaries with others in similar positions and ensure they are being paid fairly 📱
Implement a salary review system that takes into account performance metrics and seniority to ensure that promotions and pay raises are awarded fairly 📊
Repurpose existing diversity and inclusion programs to specifically target gender pay gap issues and provide education and resources for female employees 🌈
Eliminate the practice of negotiating salaries to reduce the impact of unconscious bias and ensure that everyone is paid fairly 🚫💬
Create a system that offers financial incentives to companies that demonstrate a gender pay gap in favour of women, thereby motivating companies to work towards achieving gender pay equality 💵

👉 While there are lots of ideas on the table here one that sticks out for me is an app.

💡 The idea of developing a pay transparency app that allows employees to compare their salaries with others in similar positions and ensure they are being paid fairly is to address the issue of gender pay gap and promote pay equity.

👥 By providing employees with a tool to easily compare their salaries with their colleagues in similar roles, it can help identify discrepancies and encourage employers to ensure fair pay practices.

📈 If the app used a score or visual graph, it could provide a simple and easy-to-understand way for employees to visualise and understand their pay relative to their peers, without having to reveal exact salary figures.

Step 3: Ranking The Gender Pay Gap Ideas

Welcome to the ultimate showdown of the gender pay gap ideas! Get ready to rank your favourites and fight for their honour.

We all have our personal biases and favourite ideas, but that's why we need a fair and unbiased system to help us come to a consensus. So, let's put our personal preferences aside and get ready to rank these ideas like a boss!

As for all the problems I'm tackling in this 20 problems solved in 20 day challenge, I use a numeric ranking system based of five criteria that include:

i) Ease to implement 🛠️ ii) Potential impact 🎯 iii) Cost to execute 💰 iv) Level of certainty 🤔 v) Ability to validate ✅

Here's how these ideas scored:

Create a pay equity task force that includes employees from diverse backgrounds to ensure that compensation packages are fair and equal. (49)
Develop a pay transparency app that allows employees to compare their salaries with others in similar positions and ensure they are being paid fairly. (47)
Implement a salary review system that takes into account performance metrics and seniority to ensure that promotions and pay raises are awarded fairly. (46)
Repurpose existing diversity and inclusion programs to specifically target gender pay gap issues and provide education and resources for female employees. (43)
Eliminate the practice of negotiating salaries to reduce the impact of unconscious bias and ensure that everyone is paid fairly. (42)
Offer financial incentives to companies that achieve gender pay equality. (38)
Create a mentorship program to help women advance in their careers and negotiate salaries. (37)
Create a system that makes it easier for women to negotiate higher salaries. (36)
Provide educational resources for young girls to encourage them to pursue higher-paying careers. (35)
Partner with companies that offer child-care services to provide childcare support to working mothers, thereby removing one of the major barriers to women's career advancement. (34)
Hold workshops for managers to address and overcome unconscious bias in the workplace. (33)
Introduce laws and regulations that require companies to disclose gender pay gaps publicly. (29)
Create a system that offers financial incentives to companies that demonstrate a gender pay gap in favour of women, thereby motivating companies to work towards achieving gender pay equality. (26)
Increase taxes on companies with significant gender pay gaps. (25)
Promote gender diversity in leadership roles by implementing quotas for female representation. (22)

Step 4: Solution Implementation to The Gender Pay Gap

Let's be honest. Implementing an idea always has challenges so let's be prepared for it. I'm not going to go through every idea just the pay transparency app.

Let's talk about how to make this pay transparency app as smooth as butter. 🤤

Foreseeable obstacles:
One thing to keep in mind is data privacy concerns. You don't want anyone's salary information floating around the internet, so make sure the app has strong security measures and requires user consent. 🔒 Another obstacle could be pushback from companies who don't want to disclose salary information, or from employees who aren't comfortable sharing their own. To deal with this, consider making the app anonymous or aggregating data in a way that doesn't identify individuals. 🤔

Constructible:
To make life easier for the development team, use existing software frameworks or templates to speed things up. 💻 And since the app will probably need updates down the line, design it to be scalable and modular. 💪 Money talks, so consider using open-source software or cloud-based services to save some cash. 💰

Outsourceable:
Don't be afraid to outsource certain tasks, like coding or graphic design, to third-party vendors or contractors. It'll save time and effort for the development team. 💼 Make use of pre-built APIs or third-party software libraries to simplify things even further. Collaborating with other groups interested in supporting the app's development is also a great way to spread the workload. 🤝

Learnings

Hey, so it turns out that the gender pay gap is still a thing, and it's not going away anytime soon–unless we take ACTION!

As I was researching the gender pay gap, I discovered some fascinating root causes and solutions. One big takeaway is that unconscious bias and structural barriers can play a huge role in perpetuating the pay gap, so it's important to address these issues head-on.

I also learned that there are a variety of solutions that can help close the gap, such as implementing pay transparency policies, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and offering training and development opportunities for women. But the key is to implement these solutions effectively and consistently to really make a difference.

Overall, reading about the root causes and solutions for the gender pay gap has been eye-opening 👀 for me, and I hope that by sharing this information, we can all work towards creating a more equal and just society.

Your thoughts on dissolving problems?

I'd love to know what you're thinking about these issues and your solutions too. Please share some of your thoughts below.

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Day Two - Problem #2. Isolated Aged People

Today we're going to focus our attention on a BIG problem that affects the elderly - isolation.

As our beloved grannies and grandpas age, they often face the challenge of loneliness and isolation.

😔 It's a big issue that affects many elderly people, and it's not just a matter of feeling sad or bored. Isolation can have a significant impact on their mental and physical health, leading to depression, anxiety, and even physical illness.

🙌 But fear not, because there are solutions out there that can help tackle this problem head-on! Today, we'll explore some innovative ideas that can help keep our seniors happy, healthy, and connected to their communities. So buckle up and let's dive in! 💡

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of Isolated Aged People

I delved into the root causes of isolation among the elderly, using a three-pronged approach that looks at behavioural, logistical, and environmental factors.

I recognise that older people may face physical or mental health challenges that make it difficult for them to socialise, or lack the social skills and confidence needed to make new connections. 🧑‍🦳

Brain health can play a significant role in the isolation of older adults. As we age, our cognitive abilities can decline, making it more challenging to engage in social activities and connect with others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can have a negative impact on our mental health and overall well-being. 🧠

They may also be limited by logistical challenges such as transportation and access to technology and social activities, or environmental factors such as crime rates and family structures that have shifted over time. 🚘💻🏘️

As people age, they often find themselves in a pickle. They've lived in the same place for donkey's years and love it, but their neighbourhoods have changed, and many community hubs have disappeared into thin air. Suddenly, they're stuck in the middle of nowhere, without a bus or train in sight. And let's be honest, walking miles in your best orthopaedic shoes isn't exactly a walk in the park. 🚶‍♀️👴

Without a way to get to community hubs or where the people are, many older folks feel left out, cut off, and downright lonely. It's like being stranded on a desert island with nothing but bingo to keep you company. 🏝️🎲

This isolation can lead to all sorts of health problems, both physical and mental. From depression to anxiety to cognitive decline, the effects can be devastating. And that's not even mentioning the increased risk of falls and other accidents that come with limited mobility. 😔🚑

But fear not, because there are solutions out there. It's time to kick isolation to the curb and give our older generation the support they deserve. 💪👵

Step 2: Generating Unorthodox ideas to solve isolation of the aged

It's often said that quantity leads to quality, meaning that the more ideas generated, the higher the likelihood of finding a truly innovative and effective solution. So here's a host of ideas (some better than others).

Encourage older adults to start using technology to communicate with others by providing training and support on how to use devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Encourage family members and caregivers to regularly visit and stay in touch with elderly people through phone calls, video calls, and in-person visits.
Create age-friendly communities by modifying community spaces and resources, repurposing existing resources, and partnering with local businesses and organisations to provide social events and services tailored to the needs of older adults.
Create a peer-to-peer mentoring programme:
Develop an app that connects isolated aged people to volunteers:
Create community-centred, mixed-use developments that incorporate universal design principles, affordable housing options, and intergenerational living arrangements, located in areas easily accessible by public transportation and community resources. This will foster social connections and improve the overall well-being of individuals of all ages.
Develop and implement technology solutions that are tailored to the needs of older adults, including apps and devices that help with vision or hearing impairments, voice-activated technology, and training to help them stay connected with loved ones. Total score: (36/50)
Implement a policy that supports older adults in leaving their homes safely, such as providing transportation services or facilitating social activities in safe public spaces.
Increase the availability of community support and resources, such as neighbourhood watch programmes, to help older adults feel safe and secure in their homes and communities.
Create a transportation programme that not only provides older adults with rides to medical appointments and local events but also incorporates social activities, such as exercise classes or social interaction during the ride.
Intentionally increase community involvement in neighbourhoods with high populations of older adults, such as organising community events and activities.
Increase police presence in neighbourhoods with high populations of older adults to provide additional security and peace of mind. Total score:
Repurpose existing resources to benefit older adults by utilising vacant storefronts as community spaces for socialising and activities, providing shuttle services using unused public transportation resources, and partnering with local schools or universities to provide intergenerational learning opportunities.
Create a community-wide initiative to better serve older adults by partnering with local businesses, community centres, and religious organisations to provide tailored social events and services, and offer senior discount programmes to encourage participation in local activities and events.

Step 3: Ranking The Isolation Ideas

We've all got our biases and personal preferences that can cloud our judgement. And let's be real, sometimes those biases can lead us to make some pretty questionable decisions. I mean, who among us hasn't looked back on a decision and thought, "What the F#!% was I thinking?"

An objective method to rank ideas takes away the guesswork and keeps us from making choices we'll regret later on. So let's use the ranking system I shared on day #1. to help find the best idea worth actioning.

Here's the score for each one:

Tech Training for Seniors: Encourage older adults to use technology for communication (Score: 42/50)
Encourage Regular Visits: Encourage family members and caregivers to stay in touch with seniors (Score: 40/50)
Age-Friendly Communities: Modify community spaces and resources for older adults (Score: 39/50)
Peer-to-Peer Mentoring: Create a mentoring programme (Score: 36/50)
Volunteer Connection: Develop an app connecting isolated seniors to volunteers (Score: 37/50)
Community-Centred Developments: Create mixed-use developments with intergenerational living arrangements (Score: 37/50)
Tailored Technology Solutions: Develop technology tailored to the needs of older adults (Score: 36/50)
Safe Policy: Implement policies to support seniors in leaving their homes safely (Score: 37/50)
Community Support: Increase community support and resources for older adults (Score: 34/50)
Transportation Programme: Create a transportation programme for older adults (Score: 31/50)
Community Involvement: Increase community involvement in neighbourhoods with older adults (Score: 29/50)
Police Presence: Increase police presence in neighbourhoods with older adults (Score: 28/50)
Repurposing Resources: Repurpose existing resources to benefit older adults (Score: 27/50)
Community-Wide Initiative: Create a community-wide initiative to better serve older adults (Score: 24/50)

Step 4: Solution Implementation to eliminate Aged People Isolation

Now let's look at how we could implement them cost effectively.

For this problem I'm very interested in looking at Creating community-centred, mixed-use developments that incorporate universal design principles, affordable housing options, and intergenerational living arrangements, located in areas easily accessible by public transportation and community resources. 🏘️🌳🚍👥💰

Let's apply the three core principles of solution implementation to the solution of Creating community-centred, mixed-use developments that incorporate universal design principles, affordable housing options, and intergenerational living arrangements, located in areas easily accessible by public transportation and community resources. 💡

Foreseeable obstacles: 💭 One potential obstacle is the availability of suitable land in the desired location, which could lead to delays and increased costs. 🚫🏞️💰 Another obstacle could be the need to obtain zoning permits and approval from local government agencies, which can be a time-consuming and complicated process. 🚧🏛️⏰

To mitigate these potential obstacles, we could conduct a thorough feasibility study to identify available land and potential zoning requirements. We could also involve local government agencies in the planning process from the beginning to ensure that we have their support and cooperation. 📊👥🤝

Constructible: 🔨 To make the implementation of the solution easier and more cost-effective, we could consider using prefabricated building components that can be assembled on-site quickly and efficiently. 🏭🚧 We could also partner with local developers and contractors to share resources and reduce costs. Additionally, we could leverage existing infrastructure and public transportation systems to reduce the need for new construction. 🤝🌉🚇

Outsourceable: 💼 Certain activities, such as market research, financial analysis, and legal compliance, could be outsourced to third-party experts who specialize in these areas. By outsourcing these activities, we can save time and money while ensuring that we have access to the necessary expertise. 💸💼👨‍💼

We could also outsource some of the construction work to local contractors who have the necessary skills and equipment to complete the project efficiently. This will allow us to focus on project management and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. 🔨💼👷‍♂️

By applying these three core principles, we can increase the chances of this community-centric, mixed-use utopia becoming a reality! We'll make sure this project is finished on time, within budget, and will leave everyone involved feeling like they just won the lottery! 🤞💰🏆

Learnings

Dealing with aged people and making sure they are not isolated is not rocket science. BUT it does take commitment and forward thinking. The present approach to sticking people in aged care facilities far from the centre of a community only exacerbates the problem. 😔

Personally I think we need mixed generation design complemented by some of the other ideas. 🤝

Maintaining brain health and physical health will help enormously too. 💪 I hope that anyone working in planning, development and aged care start to take notice and that more of us make an effort to connect with our elderly population and involve them versus isolate them in our society. 🧑‍🦳

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Day One - Problem #1. Graffiti

So let's talk about graffiti! 🎨

No, not the cool kind you see in edgy street art, we're talking about the scribbles and tags that plague our buildings and public spaces. 🚫

It's a problem that we've all seen and dealt with, and it's time we do something about it!

🤔 But why bother, you ask? Well, besides the fact that it's an eyesore 👀, cleaning up graffiti can be costly 💰 and time-consuming 🕑 for cities and property owners. Plus, it can contribute to a sense of disorder 🚯 and even encourage other criminal behaviour 🚨.

So, let's roll up our sleeves and tackle this problem together!

Step 1: Identifying the real problem of Graffiti

Let's be real, graffiti can be a real pain in the art. Sure, it might start as a harmless form of self-expression, but it can quickly turn into a mess for our communities.

But why do people do it? Well, sometimes it's just a way to mark their territory, and other times it's because they have nothing better to do. Whatever the reason, we need to tackle this issue head-on with a multi-faceted approach.

We're talking about promoting alternative ways to express oneself, cracking down on those who do graffiti, and encouraging community pride in public spaces 🌇. Plus, let's face it, poorly maintained properties don't exactly help either 🏚️. So, we need to target those areas with high visibility and foot traffic 👀👣, and make sure they're looking their best.

In a nutshell, graffiti might seem like a minor issue, but it can have a major impact on our communities. By coming together and attacking it from different angles, we can create a world that's safer 👍, more colourful 🌈, and simply more beautiful for everyone 😍.

Graffiti can be a complex issue with many underlying causes, including:

Behavioural factors: Graffiti may be motivated by a desire for self-expression, rebellion, or boredom. Some individuals may lack awareness of the negative impact graffiti can have on the community or may not have access to alternative outlets for creative expression.
Logistical factors: The availability of graffiti supplies, such as spray paint and markers, can make it easier for individuals to engage in graffiti. In addition, the lack of enforcement or consequences for graffiti can contribute to its prevalence.
Environmental factors: Graffiti is more likely to occur in areas with high visibility or foot traffic, and poorly maintained or abandoned properties can also attract graffiti. Social factors, such as peer pressure or the influence of subcultures that value graffiti, can also play a role.

Without a doubt the biggest underlying cause is around the behaviours of people doing the graffiti. So it makes sense to tackle this first and foremost.

Step 2: Generating Unorthodox ideas

Graffiti has been a problem for as long as we can remember 😞, but the same old solutions just aren't cutting it anymore.

It's time to get creative, folks! We need some out-of-the-box thinking to tackle this age-old issue.

We know that to solve this problem, we need fresh, unorthodox ideas 💡. So let's get weird 😜, let's get wild, let's get wacky! The more unconventional the idea, the better. Together, we can brainstorm our way to a graffiti-free world!

I've used a number of idea generation techniques to create the following ideas (I haven't created an exhaustive list, frankly because I'm not getting paid to do so 😅) many of which you can find out about in an awesome blog post on time saving idea generation techniques written by my son's father.

Here are some of the ideas:

How about partnering with local businesses for an "Adopt-a-Wall" program? They can sponsor a wall or building and take care of its maintenance and beautification. 🏢💰
Teaching children in schools (before they become teenagers) how to use art to positively express how you feel and what you are thinking. 🎨👦👧
Or, let's go digital! Use augmented reality or projection mapping technology to create legal digital graffiti art. It'll be a win-win situation for graffiti artists and the community. 📱🎭🎨
We can also provide purpose-built graffiti walls for people to express their creativity and hold a competition for the best graffiti piece of art. 🎉🖌️
How about anti-graffiti coatings or textured surfaces to make it harder to apply paint? It'll discourage those who think it's fun to ruin walls. 🚫🖌️
Install motion-activated sprinklers to keep the walls clean and clear. 💦🚰
Organise free artistic workshops for youth in graffiti-affected communities to teach them how to create murals and other public art, reflecting their feelings while enhancing their area.
Let's paint the exterior walls of buildings with a special type of paint that makes it hard for paint to stick. It's like a shield of armour against vandalism! 🛡️
We can create footpaths where people can graffiti and express their thoughts about current community issues like climate change or family troubles. 👣🌍👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Transform abandoned buildings into community art spaces or urban gardens to reduce the number of empty walls for graffiti artists to tag. 🏚️🎨🌿
Develop a program that offers free graffiti removal services to property owners, incentivising them to quickly remove graffiti and make it less likely that graffiti artists will return to the same spot. 🧹💸
How about encouraging graffiti artists to use street chalk? It's like legal graffiti and can be an awesome way to showcase their artistic talent.

These solutions might seem bizarre, but they have the potential to address the root causes of graffiti by providing alternative outlets for artistic expression, discouraging vandalism, and encouraging community pride and engagement. 

Step 3: Ranking The Graffiti Ideas

Alright fellow problem dissolvers, now that we've come up with some crazy and creative solutions to tackle the pesky problem of graffiti, it's time to put our serious pants on and rank these bad boys. 😎👖

Ranking ideas is like playing a game of "would you rather," but instead of choosing between two equally gross options, you're deciding which solution will give you the biggest bang for your buck. 💥💰

It's like choosing between a gourmet burger or a soggy sandwich 🍔🥪from a Seven Eleven - easy choice, right? So let's roll up our sleeves and get to ranking these babies!

So, I took a good look at all of the ideas and ranked them according to some important factors. First off, I asked myself, how easy is this idea to put into action? 🤔

Then I looked at the potential impact - can this idea really tackle the problem? 💡💥

Next up was cost - I didn't want to break the bank. 💸💰 And then I considered how certain we were that the idea would actually work. 🤞✅

Finally, I looked at whether I could test the idea without spending too much time or money. By ranking the ideas based on these criteria, I was able to narrow down the options and find the ones that were most likely to give the biggest bang for our buck. 💥💰

I'm not going to create a breakdown of every idea's score but here's one of the top scoring ideas breakdown. 📊

Teaching children in schools (before they become teenagers) how to use art to positively express how you feel and what you are thinking scored a total of 41 out of 50 and was one of the top scoring ideas. 👨‍🎨🏫🎨

Here is a breakdown for the solution of :

Ease to implement: 8/10 - This solution is relatively easy to implement in schools, as art programs are already a part of many school curriculums. It may require additional resources or training for teachers, but overall it should not be too difficult to integrate.
Potential impact: 9/10 - This solution has the potential to have a significant impact on the problem of graffiti. By teaching children how to use art as a means of self-expression, it can help them find positive outlets for their creativity, which may reduce the desire to engage in destructive graffiti. Additionally, it can foster a greater appreciation for public art and the importance of respecting public property.
Cost to execute: 7/10 - The cost to execute this solution may vary depending on the resources already available in the school. It may require some investment in additional art supplies or training for teachers. However, compared to some of the other solutions, it is relatively inexpensive.
Level of certainty: 8/10 - This solution has a reasonable level of certainty. There is evidence to suggest that art therapy and art education can have positive impacts on mental health and well-being, so it is likely that this solution will have some positive impact on reducing graffiti. However, there may be other factors at play that could affect the success of the program.
Ability to validate: 9/10 - It should be relatively easy to validate the effectiveness of this solution. By collecting data on the number of incidents of graffiti before and after implementing the program, it should be possible to determine whether the program has had an impact. Additionally, student feedback and surveys can provide insight into the effectiveness of the program.

Some of the other top ideas were:

Partner with local businesses to create an "Adopt-a-Wall" program (total score 44)

Free artistic workshops for youth in graffiti-affected communities to teach them how to create murals and other public art, reflecting their feelings while enhancing their area. (total score 42)

Provide purpose-built graffiti walls for people to express their creativity and hold a competition for the best graffiti piece of art. (total score 37)

Substitute traditional graffiti art with digital graffiti using augmented reality or projection mapping technology to give graffiti artists a legal and creative outlet for their art. (total score 34)

Transform abandoned buildings into community art spaces or urban gardens to reduce the number of empty walls for graffiti artists to tag. (total score 36)

Step 4: Solution Implementation

👉🏽 Coming up with a great solution or idea is one thing, but successfully implementing it is another.

🤝 Too often, promising projects fail because of poor implementation, unforeseen obstacles, and lack of planning. That's why it's important to have a solid implementation plan that takes into account potential obstacles, identifies ways to make the project easier to execute, and determines which activities can be outsourced for maximum efficiency.

💪🏼 Are you ready to turn these graffiti solutions into reality?

📝 Let's make sure we have a solid implementation plan that takes into account potential obstacles, identifies ways to make the project easier to execute, and determines which activities can be outsourced for maximum efficiency.

🚧 First things first, let's identify any potential obstacles that could arise during implementation. I'm not going to create a solution implementation approach to each solution but rather share just a couple of them.

First up solution implementation for the Adopt a wall idea:

Foreseeable Obstacles:

Ensuring the adoption of the program by local businesses
Maintaining ongoing communication and collaboration with participating businesses
Anticipating and addressing any legal or regulatory issues related to the program

Constructible (ways to make it cheaper, easier and faster to implement):

Creating clear guidelines and standards for participating businesses to follow
Providing necessary training and resources for businesses to effectively maintain and beautify their adopted walls or buildings
Utilising cost-effective and sustainable materials and methods for upkeep and beautification

Outsourceable (identify the easiest and most cost effective activities to outsource):

Outsourcing the initial design and planning of the program to a consultant or firm with expertise in community engagement and beautification projects
Partnering with local non-profit organisations or community groups to provide support and resources for participating businesses
Outsourcing the maintenance and upkeep of the adopted walls or buildings to a professional cleaning or maintenance company.

And now for the Teaching children in schools (before they become teenagers) how to use art to positively express how you feel and what you are thinking idea

Foreseeable obstacles:

Lack of funding or resources to implement the program
Resistance from schools or parents who may not see the value in incorporating art education into the curriculum
Difficulty in finding qualified art teachers or instructors

Contingency plans:

Seek out grants or sponsorships to fund the program
Provide data or research that shows the benefits of art education for children
Partner with local artists or community organisations to provide the necessary instruction and resources

Constructible:

Integrate art education into the existing curriculum to make it easier to implement
Provide training for teachers on how to incorporate art into their lessons
Use affordable and accessible materials such as paper, pencils, and paint

Outsourceable:

Outsource the instruction and resources to local artists or community organisations
Partner with businesses or organisations to provide funding or resources for the program
Use online resources or software to streamline administrative tasks such as scheduling and communication.

Learnings

👀 When applying my problem dissolving process, I was surprised to see how many cost-effective solutions there were. 💰 But the biggest takeout for me was in addressing the root cause of young adults not being able to express themselves in a more constructive way. 🤔

If you know anyone working in local government or your community who is interested in eliminating graffiti, please share this post. 📣 It would be great to see some of the solutions in action. 👍

What are your thoughts? Do you have any other ideas to add? If you do, please add them below. 💭

What's next?

I'll be solving more problems in the coming days and weeks so I hope you check in from time to time.

One more thing that I want to share that I know can really help to accelerate your innovative business growth results is to work out what type of innovator you are.

I've got a FREE 3-minute quiz that will work out your innovation code and create a customised Innovation Playbook full of proven innovation hacks for your stage of innovation. You can do the quiz at innovationquiz.com. And the link is in the notes.

Thanks so much for reading and go and make your next brainstorming session prolific!

Cheers,
Nils

Founder, Innovation Keynote Speaker, Author
 
PS: Whether you’re looking for an innovation agency to improve your product with innovation, create an innovation disruption, or hack your business growth, we’re here to help.

Nils Vesk is a Four-Time Author and International Keynote Speaker. Nils has worked globally with over 200 bluechip companies including 3M, American Express, Canon, Caltex, Microsoft, Nestle´, IBM, Fuji Xerox, PWC, HP and Pfizer.

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 About Nils Vesk

He's the founder of Ideas With Legs.

His clients call him a Reinvention Renegade. Nils Vesk is an international authority on innovation and the inventor of the ‘Innovation Archetypes Process’.

Around the globe, leading companies such as Nestle, HP & Pfizer turn to Nils to share his proven innovation techniques for formulating commercial insights, ideas, extraordinary customer experiences and irresistible products.

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Nils is the author of a number of books including "Ideas With Legs - How to Create Brilliant Ideas and Bring Them to Life", and "Innovation Archetypes - Principles for World Class Innovation".

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