Sounds like somthing out of a spy thriller but scientists have developed an ‘ink’ which vanishes after 24 hours (I no good for important documents) but it does mean that paper can be re-used. The special paper is coated in light-sensitive molecules known as photochromes which react to ultra violet light. The paper can be reused up to 30 times before it needs to be replaced.

It’s interesting to note that it’s estimated that 45% of paper printed is for ‘one time use’ - for example, reading an email. At the same time the market for printers is growing by 6% per annum. Read the article in The Times.

Tagged: Sustainable Design

In 2017 it is predicted that the UK population will have increased by 5 million people to 65 million and by 2031 the UK population is forecast to be over 70 million people.

During 2007 the UK for the first time in its history will have more pensioners than children. By 2010 the number of pensioners in the UK is set to increase to 12.2 million people. This offers a number of opportunities and challenges for design and it is going to be important to recognise the distinct needs of different segments within the ’senior market place.’

Tagged: Demographics

A short article (Real Times, Real Lives) I wrote which was published in Finnish design journal Arttu.

Tagged: Ethnography, Research Method and user research

A range of papers, published by the DTI, which bring together thinking on innovation the service sector. The service sector in the UK accounts for approximately 75% of ‘output’. Read the report here (opens a PDF).

Tagged: Innovation and Service design

Several interesting articles/papers on transformation design:

Kevin McCullagh, founder of Plan: ‘Transformation Design,’ Blueprint.

Red, Design Council: Red Paper 02 Tranformation Design.

Tagged: Transformation design

Time Out is producing a list of poor service experiences in London.

Tagged: Service design

Watch Steve Ballmer selling Windows on You Tube.

Tagged: Technology

Research indicates from the 1950s the centenarian age bracket (people aged over 100) in England and Wales increased at a faster rate than any other age group. In 1911 there we approximately 100 centenarians and by 2006 an estimated 9,000. Forecast growth of this demographic bracket could potentially see future number reach 40,000 by mid 2031. For more information on UK demographic statistics visit National Statistics Online.

The former RED team set up by the Design Council to tackle social and economic issues through design led innovation carried out some interesting research into ageing.

Tagged: Demographics