Lab+2

1. The LifeStraw is the product that interested me most because it takes such an old and simple tool and adds some of the newest and most complex technologies to it. It has such an implicit use and can save lives daily without much instruction. The LifeStraw is a great example of a fantastic idea on paper coming to life as a result of advances in technology. It is portable, simple, effective, and most importantly affordable. This device can mean not only that the water is cleaner but a family might not have to go as far to find drinkable water using this product. If there was a way for the LifeStraw to have longer longevity or possibly infinite usage capabilities it would be an invaluable tool to those without access to clean running water. The fact that this drinking device could mean the difference for 6000 children’s lives DAILY is enough to inspire me to want to design other such useful products for the other 90%. 2. Health and Education interest me the most for further research because they are two of the fundamental issues underlying the greater problems. If people are healthy and educated, then they wouldn’t need so much aid. Give them the resources and facilitate some sort of infrastructure and let them figure out and then solve their own problems rather than trying to stick band aids on a severed limb. Without health and education a ‘people’ can’t function together and if there is no functionality then there is no progression.