Flexible Technologies: Warwick Ultra Thin Speakers

With rapid advancements in ultra thin technologies arena such as smart textiles, OLEDs, touchscreen OLEDs, Electronic Ink technology, soft flexible keyboards, flexible PCBs, and flexible hardware....there is finally an ultra thin high quality speaker material, coined FFL (Flat, Flexible LoudSpeaker) developed by UK-based Warwick Audio Technologies that supposedly produces better sound quality than conventional speakers. Ain't that wild?

Text from the Discovery Innovation Blog article is pasted below

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Speakers that Bend, Stretch, and Fit in a Folder

Scientists in the flexible electronic industry have long promised us products like rubbery circuits that will make portable devices truly unbreakable. So when UK researchers announced they had developed flexible speakers, the latest flexible electronic product to hit headlines, we listened. The ultra thin speakers—appropriately named the Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker (FFL) (pictured left)—is only 0.25mm thick.

The speakers are made of a flexible laminate material that can bend like paper and stick to uneven surfaces—a huge upgrade from the earliest model made primarily of tin foil.

Warwick Audio Technologies, the company commercializing the speakers, claims the newly minted FFLs can produce sounds at 80-105 decibels. The flat design allows sound to travel through the material differently than it does typical boom boxes. When an electrical signal goes through the FFL speakers, it vibrates and sends a rush of air through the whole sound system. So in technical speak, when the air moves through the sheets in bulk mass, planar directional sound waves are created. The resulting sounds are “clearer, crisper, and easier to hear” than traditional speakers.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait a year to see if the speakers actually reach stores—or if they join the other flexible electronic technologies like flexible laptops that have yet to make it into the market. Ahem, E-paper, where are you?
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And another lengthier article on Warwick FFL Speakers from Science Daily pasted below

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New Flat Flexible Speakers Might Even Help You Catch Planes And Trains


ScienceDaily (Apr. 1, 2009) — A groundbreaking new loudspeaker -- less than 0.25mm thick -- has been developed by University of Warwick engineers. It's flat, flexible, could be hung on a wall like a picture, and its particular method of sound generation could make public announcements in places like passenger terminals clearer, crisper, and easier to hear.

Lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture, the speakers are slim and flexible: they could be concealed inside ceiling tiles or car interiors, or printed with a design and hung on the wall like a picture.

Pioneered by University of Warwick spin-out company, Warwick Audio Technologies' the 'Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker' (FFL) is ideal for public spaces where it delivers planar directional sound waves, which project further than sound from conventional speakers.

Steve Couchman, CEO of Warwick Audio Technologies, believes it could entirely replace the speakers currently used in homes and in cars, as well as in public address systems used in passenger terminals and shopping centres.

He says: "We believe this is a truly innovative technology. Its size and flexibility means it can be used in all sorts of areas where space is at a premium. Audio visual companies are investigating its use as point of sale posters for smart audio messaging and car manufacturers are particularly interested in it for its light weight and thinness, which means it can be incorporated into the headlining of cars, rather than lower down in the interior."

All speakers work by converting an electric signal into sound. Usually, the signal is used to generate a varying magnetic field, which in turn vibrates a mechanical cone, so producing the sound.

Warwick Audio Technology's FFL technology is a carefully designed assembly of thin, conducting and insulating, materials resulting in the development of a flexible laminate, which when excited by an electrical signal will vibrate and produce sound.

The speaker laminate operates as a perfect piston resonator. The entire diaphragm therefore radiates in phase, forming an area source. The wave front emitted by the vibrating surface is phase coherent, producing a plane wave with very high directivity and very accurate sound imaging.

"Another great application would be in PA systems for public spaces," says Steve. "The sound produced by FFLs can be directed straight at its intended audience. The sound volume and quality does not deteriorate as it does in conventional speakers, which means that public announcements in passenger terminals, for example, could be clearer, crisper, and easier to hear."

The FFL was first developed by Dr Duncan Billson and Professor David Hutchins, both from the University of Warwick, with early trials using just two sheets of tinfoil and an insulating layer of baking paper to produce sound. Since then its design has significantly evolved and the technology is now ready for commercial exploitation

The company is currently in negotiations with a number of commercial partners and continues to welcome fresh approaches. It expects to launch its first commercial product later this year.
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*Some* Vendor Client relationships - in real world situations

Hah, so true! :P

NRA Show 2009

This year, I was fortunate enough to attend the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show held in Chicago which showcased products and services geared towards the restaurant/hospitality industry. While there were many intriguing and interesting product/service offerings, what intrigued me was how little attention was given to efficient use and conservation of space within a restaurant environment where oftentimes, every inch matters. Some of them also surprisingly did not take into account the matter of maintenance, waste, nor the emerging technologies that are increasingly being integrated within the restaurant/hospitality environment.

Some of my favorite products that were encountered included a very well-designed tower dish rack that used minimal form to hold dishes securely - in fact, they demonstrated just how well the dishes were held by mounting their tower dishrack on a rocking mechanism (similar to an earthquake), a beautiful sugar crystal stirring stick, an antimicrobial mat which would kill bacteria the moment it lands on it (used within bathrooms), advancements in biopolymers along with sustainable green materials, simple looking minimal packaging with an amazing array of features (like a thin piece of clear plastic that could withstand high oven temperatures along with layers of alternating perforations to act as insulators to keep contents like bread crispier on the outside/softer on the inside), ceramic oven racks and cutlery, and last but not least, a very elegant outdoor umbrella that was collapsible, back lit, and had a funnel to collect/drain water. Unfortunately, I didn't have the luxury of being able to take pictures to share here, however, I will write more entries in the future about individual products and service offerings I'd encountered at the NRA show this year.

It also struck to me that there seemed to be a general lack of enthusiasm and even attendance compared to say - the CES show in Vegas - where the energy and enthusiasm was incredibly intoxicating and electric. In fact, even my friend had remarked on the crowd and how attendance seemed to be 'thinned out' compared to the NRA events he had attended before. It certainly begs the question of whether the days of tradeshows are fast becoming numbered and obsolete. In any case - it was a great show to attend to gain a general sense of both current and emerging trends within the industry.

MomSourcing

What? Too busy to wish your mom a Happy Mother's Day? At long last, the days of receiving completely undeserving guilt trips from hard-to-please moms is now a problem of the past - thanks to MomSourcing.

On a sidenote - why do people on social networking sites seem to continue wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day when they themselves do not have their mothers within their own networks - and even cringe at the thought of having their mom on there?

Monsanto & The Vicious Cycle

With so much going on in the world today, you hear certain seemingly 'usual' stories being repeated time and again. Like the one about how Indian Farmers commit suicide when their crops fail.

But why am I including this on my design blog?

Because of its connection to Monsanto along with how it exemplifies bad 'innovation' that claims to be safe, biodegradable, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly. However, reality is that it is none of these. Infact, its lack of foresight leads to extinction of crops along with its farmer in some instances - and creates even larger issues in the long run.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Monsanto, it is a giant American-based biotechnology corporation with a global outreach. Monsanto is the leading producer of Genetically Engineered (GE) and Genetically Modified (GM) seeds. Their website claims that Monsanto's goal is to "meet farmer demand by offering seeds with the best possible germplasm, or improved genetics, for a higher yield" and how they "are working to meet the needs of farmers in two ways. First, through our work in breeding, we are delivering superior genetics that allow farmers to get more out of each seed, resulting in the potential for higher yield. In addition, by inserting one or more genes in the seed — a biotechnology trait — we're able to provide farmers with a novel way to combat insects and control weeds, so yield is preserved throughout the growing season." They also claim that their GMOs are safe.

Sounds like quite the miracle, so where is the controversy?

The issue is not only does the promised not happen with these hybrid seeds, but their deliberately short-life span creates a vicious cycle leading to debt, extinction of local plant biodiversity, and for some people - suicide. Click here to watch a short video explaining the dilemma.

More videos from youtube:







Below is a recap of some of the problems which despite being few, describe the severity and enormity of the problems that come with Monsanto seeds. The scary part is that this is just a partial list.

• Seeds that contain pesticides
  A trait within Monsanto seeds is inherent pesticides. These, of course, are not that effective in killing off the targeted pests and actually risk killing the helpful species of insects, creating more trouble for nearby plants which become increasingly infested. Moreover, if you continue onward with the natural food chain cycle that take place from thereon (the bird that eats the insect, the snake that eats the bird, etc. or even when the decomposed remains enter the soil), the situation becomes very ugly very quickly with a problem that magnifies severity and difficult of being resolved.

• Seeds that lack natural resilience acquired over a period of time
  A noticeable trait with Monsanto seeds was their inability to withstand water shortages, heat, and even the very pests it claims to be resilient against- something that native seeds were able to withstand better. With India being right on the equator line coupled with water shortages along with water contamination, the Monsanto seeds cannot match the natural resilience acquired by native plants that develop the means to withstand environmental challenges over a period of time - and pass this on to the next generation. In short, Monsanto seeds require more water than native seeds do to produce "optimal results" and risk spreading these shortcomings to other native plants.
  

• Seeds designed to fail
  In 2007, Monsanto acquired Delta & Pine Land Company, a company that had patented a seed technology nicknamed "Terminator." This technology had not been used commercially before Monsanto, and it basically produces plants with sterile seeds that won't flower or grow fruit after their initial planting. This designed 'failure' forces farmers to repurchase seeds to ensure business for Monsanto along with a sort of 'patent protection' because it renders the farmers helpless and dependent on the Monsanto seed supplier. As mentioned in the Seeds of Suicide video, these sterile seeds will then attract rodents to their crops and suddenly they have to purchase something to repel the rats. Sadly the expenditure does not end there because then they have to repurchase more seeds. Though Monsanto pledged in 1999 to not commercialize terminator technology, the results are proving to be otherwise. God forbid if cross pollination occurs, because then normal seeds could potentially inherit the "Terminator" gene that could render them useless, too, which could spell out a huge famine problem for the world in the near future. Like the point mentioned before, even if generations of native plants develop the means to overcome environmental challenges, they would be unable to pass it on to the next generation if the begin to produce sterile seeds. Moreover, imagine the impact this would have on the natural food chain cycle.
  

• Failure Scapegoat: The Farmer
  With an increasing pressure to supply growing demands despite water shortage, water toxicity, climatic changes, population demand, and lack of government support along with adequate unbiased awareness, the farmers are persuaded to invest in Monsanto 'Miracle Seeds' with hopes of higher yields which in reality lead to a downward spiral of profit-loss, debt-increase, societal humiliation, leaving farmers at the mercy of the money-lenders. Eventually this leads the farmer and their family members being hired by neighboring farmers - and eventually, a complete annihilation of their own crops because aside from their financial problems, they now lack the manpower to continue maintaining their fields. As the Seeds of Suicide video mentioned, though the blame should realistically be shared by multiple parties including the Government, Seed Dealer, and Seed Manufacturer, sadly it is the farmer who shoulders the risk, consequences, and then holds the sole blame as the primary scapegoat when crops fail. In fact, many times - they are not even aware that because Monsanto seeds are patented, that they cannot grow their own seeds produced from Monanto seeds (but the 'Terminator' gene prevents that as it is). Even now, the guilty parties fall short in addressing this issue.
  

Though this blogpost along with many related articles do largely mention Indian Farmers, the issue is not confined to India alone - in fact, it ought to be noted that farmers across the world, including America, are facing similar problems. For detailed information, please watch the video link for 'The World According to Monsanto' provided in the related links below.

Other Related Links:

Video Intro: PBS Frontline Roughcut: Seeds of Suicide

Article: Could Monsato Be Responsible for One Indian Farmers' Death Every 30 Minutes

Article: Monsanto History and Information on Wikipedia

Article: Deadly Gift from Monsato to India

Monsanto Files Patent for New Invention- The Pig

Documentary: The World According to Monsanto
a riveting, incredibly informative and troubling documentary produced in March 2008 by Filmmaker Marie-Monique Robin

Failures, Hardships, and Success

It's a sad fact that while we are ready to speak about our points of success, most of us do not acknowledge nor really mention the failures and hardships that were endured to take us from a certain point in our lives to another. These points in our lives not only define, but evolve our strength of character by learning fortitude, patience, perseverance, realize our determination, and ultimately reinforce our passion which compels us to move forward and manifest our goals.

Then why are we so afraid to speak about them when mentioning these doesn't make us any less. In fact, on the contrary, haven't they taught us more than first-time success ever could? Relating these experiences offers valuable kernels of insight to another who may be enduring similar trials and tribulations along their own journey. So cheers to the failures and hardships that push us to become more - May we fail often enough to remain humble, grow wiser, and may these always be remembered fondly! :) And thank you to Edison for not only giving us the electric light bulb, but for teaching us that even failing holds its own seeds of success!

"Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working"

Genius? Nothing! Sticking to it is the genius! ... I've failed my way to success."
--Thomas Edison


On that note, here are some articles regarding mistakes, hardships, and failures...along with the explanation as to why they are wonderful. Enjoy!

I Hope You Fail: Why Failure is Good

The Greatest Mistake of All Time

Fail Your Way To Success! Why Failure Is So Wonderful!

How Have You Failed Your Way to Success Lately?

Why Failure is Good for You

Reasons for Why Failure is Good

Gates vs. Jobs

Continuing on that note - also humorous (Elvis reference was icing on the cake)

The Artistic Point of View

R.I.P. Innovation?

I came across a very interesting short BCG article (thanks to a friend) which mentioned some very interesting statistics about satisfaction regarding the end results of R&D led products - but does that mean that these "innovative" products sell better or make the people involved (executives, share holders, etc) happier? Does it significantly increase margins along with sales?

Click here to read article (and as always, I'll include some of it on here)

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BCG-Businessweek Innovation Practice

For most companies, innovation is the key to driving growth, shareholder value, and competitive advantage in today's global economy. But even at the best companies, up to a third of all innovation initiatives are draining valuable resources.

According to the most recent BCG-BusinessWeek innovation survey only 46 percent of senior management are satisfied with their return on innovation spending while 63 percent of chief financial officers are still unhappy with their innovation results. Innovation remains a top priority for 66 percent of respondents, and 67 percent are planning to increase their investment in innovation.

The problem these companies face isn't a lack of ideas—most of them have more than enough. It's that companies don't have a disciplined process for turning those ideas into cash. An effective innovation-to-cash process (ITC) is the foundation of successful innovation, which we define as profitable innovation.

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I can't deny that the numbers reported were a little surprising to me but then again, not really so much as I would expect. Infact, it actually reminded me of Nussbaum's "Innovation is Dead" post back from the last day of 2008 - something which I did partially see myself agreeing with but accepting such a statement proclaiming the death of innovation is also going a little too far). In any case, I think all of this presents something that us glossy-eyed idealistic developers (designers, technical professionals, etc.) may need to take a few steps back and reconsider how to optimize for better results because balancing the two (profits and R&D-based innovation) can be quite the juggling act.

There is often an all-too familiar battle between the execs and the creative development teams when it comes to decisions regarding how a product ought to be executed. It is one where the decision is ultimately made by the execs with creatives to rethink, defend the necessity, and articulate their points better in terms of business but of course, it still provides no assurance it will be fruitful.

So is there a better way to adapt the innovation-to-cash process so it promotes revenue, increases margins, and won't crush the creative, innovative spirit? Or has true innovation died as Nussbaum suggested, and been replaced by minute cosmetic modifications to a product/service?

Design is the Problem - and the Solution?

With so many books on my list that I wanted to read, finding the time along with a steady concentration is no easy feat. However, I recently came to learn about how a former design college professor's book - Design is the Problem was released. I was extremely excited to purchase it and pour through its pages right away because I remember thinking that Nathan was a different sort of designer (and design instructor) altogether with what seemed like a more expansive train of thought of how design could be applied in a more profound manner. He challenged the thought of limiting the application of our design techniques to products or even services alone - but to rethink and apply them to entire systems instead with special thought to its life cycle along with its collective impact.

It was this class taught by Nathan along with another great design professor, Ian MacColl, that we as a class researched and addressed the issues of modern day air travel. By the end of the semester, it resulted in the inception of a fictitious airline brand: Ascend, our perception of what an ideal modern-day airline should be. Following our research, we students proceeded to individually design products/services that fit into specific parts of an air travel experience. I personally thoroughly enjoyed this course and it resulted in what today is one of my favorite pieces from my student career - Ascend Enlightenment. (For more information about my Ascend Enlightenment project, you can visit my portfolio here - and for more information about Ascend airlines along with the other student projects, you can visit our college website here)

Anyway, back to his book - so I am only 40 pages in so far, but am already excited about reading ahead. Nathan is once again challenging the 'designer' within all of us to rethink and reapply our creative, problem-solving potential towards entire experiences and systems - even older established systems such as the economy. Though he is not the only one to ask this question (find another compelling example here), it is an interesting, refreshing notion to say the least. One that pushes the boundaries of how and where design is applied.

Actually, this specific design philosophy deeply resonates with my own thoughts about design which has been a struggle because as a designer, I do question myself at times about where my efforts lead to: simply to contribute yet another product to the sea of commodities that are deemed obsolete the moment they hit the shelves? To promote a lifestyle where consumers are persuaded to believe that they need to buy something and replace an older one which could be working just as well? And all for what? To 'keep up with the trends' or be considered 'out of touch?' Therein lies the challenge of rethinking everything and do more than simply creating something superficial and short-lived.
[/rant]

By the way, if any of you are interested, you can find more about his book here and if you do happen to read it, I would certainly like to know what your afterthoughts were. I will come back to update once I myself have finished the book.