Blog to change the government

Ideal Government is a blog/brainstorm hosted by Kable Publishing. Centred on e-government's hoped-for potential for user-centricity, William Heath asks visitors to "Dream a little, and help set out the wish list. Otherwise we might end up with something we did not want." The project has a planned lifespan of four weeks (might be ending soon, so go look now!). Heath will be sending edited highlights to top UK politicians and presenting them to the new UK Government CIO, Ian Watmore.

http://www.idealgovernment.com/index.php/weblog/

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DESIGN/POLITICS/INFORMATION III: MAPPING THE VOTE

After running a phone yesterday on Minnesota public radio tonight the Design Institute Minneaplis holds a debate on the role of design in improving the voting system

In D/P/I III they have brought together leading designers, political activists, social network analysts and information visualization experts from around the United States, to present new ideas for solving the social and technical problems of voting.

They were kind enough to invite us unfortunately we couldn't make it. However those who could are: Michael Frumin, Eyebeam Labs; Zack Rosen, CivicSpace.org; Dori Tunstall, Design for Democracy; and Susan Roth, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Chris Vanstone | LINK | CITIZENSHIP | COMMENTS (0)

Rewards for Healthy Eating.

An initiative helping to encourage school children to take more exercise is being piloted at four schools in Stevenage.

Students will receive reward points on their smartcards when they make a choice to eat a 'healthy food' option at school mealtimes. The points can be exchanged, for vouchers supplied by Stevenage Leisure, for free sports sessions. This is an interesting approach as it makes a link between 'healthy eating' and 'exercise.' (Sent in by Richard Linington)

http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/newsdetail.cfm?codeID=9153

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It's National School Meals Week 2004 this week and the official website offers two on-line computer games to promote healthy eating and lifestyle.

In 'Robbo's World' the pupils control the character Robbo as he skateboards around picking up a balanced diet. In 'Jade Outdoors' the character Jade participates in outdoor activities while a diagram shows her heart rate, muscle use and tiredness.

Obviously educating the next generation on health and wellbeing has to start somewhere, but isn't there paradox in using an on-line computer game as tool for teaching kids about exercise and activity?

Jude | LINK | | COMMENTS (0)

Behemoth

According to the Economist the NHS is the 3rd largest employer in the world, after China's Red Army and the Indian railways. By 2007 the NHS will spend more than the current GDP of Portugal.

Jude | LINK | HEALTH | COMMENTS (0)

The Voting Booth Redesigned

Parsons School of Design in New York has invited 47 architects, artists and designers to redesign the voting booth.

Chris Vanstone | LINK | CITIZENSHIP | COMMENTS (0)

Medical Futures

Medical Futures is an annual competition that's open to anyone connected with the health industry from students, scientists, or retired GP's. It's aim is to use the creativity and insight of the industry itself to address the problems of the day and to help commercialise these ideas.

Last years finalist include a community based diabetese drop in center, a pain test developed by a psychologist, a set of animated characters to promote health to kids and innovations in online consulting.

Chris Vanstone | LINK | HEALTH | COMMENTS (0)

We're looking for design projects about health...

In connection with our new health project we're looking for design projects that address the following areas.

Projects that motivate people to lead more active lives and exercise more.

Projects that helping people, particularly children, to eat healthily


Projects that relate to aiding the management of chronic conditions, including diabetese

We're interested in systems and services as well as products.

If you've been involed in a project yourself, know of one we'd be greateful for any links or leads. Please leave a comment or send an email if you prefer.

Chris Vanstone | LINK | CALL TO ACTION + HEALTH | COMMENTS (1)