Human beings have all sorts of problems, some are worse than others, but we’re always coming up with new ideas and solutions to make our lives easier.
Some of these solutions are simpler than others, some are for problems you didn’t even know existed.
We’ve collected some brilliant designs from around the world that will certainly make you think.
Practice roads
This is a playground in Copenhagen designed to help children learn how to interact with traffic. Particularly how to ride their bikes with road sense and to deal with various types of pedestrian crossing.
Satellites hunting ocean waste
We all know there’s a problem with microplastic waste in the ocean. Now scientists from the University of Michigan are puttingNASA’s satellites to work tracking the issue.
They’re using multiple satellites that are usually used to track wind and speed movement over the ocean and using that data to work out where microplastics are most likely to congregate as a result.
Plastic as payment
One major problem we have in modern society is the issue of plastic pollution.Greenpeace estimatesthere are 12.7 million tonnes of plastic in our oceans and we aren’t doing enough to recycle our waste. There are someinteresting solutionsto these sorts of problems, one of the most eyebrow-raising of which actually started in China several years back.
In 2013, an initiative began which saw the installation of special machines in the various subway stations in Beijing. These machines allowed travellers to pay with plastic. Passengers could deposit plastic bottles and receive credit towards their subway fares. A simple, yet effective way to encourage people to recycle.
Another pollution system isSeabin, which is a gadget that works as a drain by collecting any rubbish on the water’s surface and stopping it from moving onwards into the sea.
Although not encouraging recycling, it’s certainly a great way to help cut down on the problem and remove waste from our waterways.
Extra elevator buttons
This lift has extra buttons that you can press with your feet if your hands are full/busy. A brilliant and convenient solution if you’re carrying shopping bags, holding onto a small child or just in the middle of travelling and don’t have free hands. Also good if you’re averse to germs.
Indoor puddles
We all know how much children love playing in puddles. These clever bods at a preschool in Japan have designed the building in such a way that they get indoor puddles without all the muddy mess of the outside world.
So kids can play until their hearts are content but without getting covered in mud. Though that is half the fun isn’t it?
Try before you buy
There’s a Dutch Supermarket known asJumbothat has a selection of toilet rolls on offer in its facilities.
These toilet rolls are available to buy in the store, giving you the chance to try before you buy. Not something you’ll usually get the chance to do.
An indoor pooch toilet
Another modern solution to a first-world problem, this is a dog bathroom that’s located at an airport. It has spots for dogs to do their business indoors. Everyone’s got to go some time.
Do not disturb shopping baskets
If you love shopping, but hate being bothered by sales staff who are constantly trying to upsell you then this might be the perfect solution.
This shop has different baskets, one tells staff that you’d prefer not to be bothered, one says you might like help. The “need help” baskets are no doubt useful for people who want help but also don’t want to be a bother. A nice concept, whatever your preference.
A touch-free bathroom door
Public washrooms are potentially awash with germs. Sure you might have washed and dried your hands, but what about the hundreds of others who have passed through that door?
If you have clean hands and touch the same handle, you might as well have not washed them in the first place. This simple design gets you to use your wrist instead - for hands-free, germ-avoiding opening.
