Crowdsourcing For Environmental Change

Much like the frog design initiative we highlighted a few weeks ago, Sony UK has decided to jump on the crowdsourcing bandwagon, asking the masses for creative input as part of their Open Planet Ideas project. Their experiment however, is being done in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund in an attempt to tackle and address a defined set of looming environmental problems using already existing Sony technology. The four areas include: water; fish and agriculture; climate change; and habitats and species.

This is an interesting opportunity that gives people a direct line to the ear of one of the largest global technology and innovation companies. Currently in the ‘inspiration’-sharing phase of the project, the entire process—from concepting to evaluation—will conclude with the ‘realisation’ phase in January 2011.

During this initial phase, we want to hear your thoughts and inspirations about an environmental challenge that you think could be addressed by the smarter use of technology. It could be an issue with global relevance, or it could be something that’s especially relevant to your own part of the world.

 You can submit your inspirations as words, photos, videos, stories or drawings. Any medium that helps you express your ideas clearly and passionately is fine.

There have been 34 ideas submitted since yesterday, and concepting starts in 28 days.

Open Planet Ideas

[via Design Week]