The Independent (London)

August 29, 1996, Thursday

SECTION: BACK PAGES; Page  22

HEADLINE: Innovation: William Hartston reviews some ideas to make a better 
world.

BYLINE: William Hartston

BODY:
The Institute for Social Inventions have just published their annual 
compilation of innovatory ideas. "DIY Futures", subtitled "People's ideas & 
projects for a better world" is a testament to modern ingenuity and 
occasional eccentricity. Here are some of the more striking ideas:

Toe-buttons in schools

When a teacher asks "Does everyone understand?" children may be reluctant to 
admit to stupidity by raising their hands. This problem can be overcome by 
installing toe-buttons at floor level, with a counter at the back of the 
room showing how many are pressed. (Richard Plourde). 

Learning French

Children will learn genders of nouns more easily if feminine words are 
printed in pink and masculine in blue (Rosemary Bett).

Safety device or barking mad?

People with dogs are avoided by muggers, so if people learn to bark 
themselves, they can lessen the chance of physical assault. "They further 
deter the criminal with the appearance of lunacy" according to a report in 
an unidentified American magazine. But it's wise to learn to growl first.

How to find a contact lens

Cover vacuum cleaner hose with stocking nylon, then hoover one inch above 
the floor. (Found in a book review in the National Enquirer.)

Economical traffic lights

A button is installed on the every car dashboard enabling impatient drivers 
to turn red traffic lights to green at a cost of $ 5. When two drivers, 
approaching in conflicting directions, both want the light to change, it 
goes to the higher bidder. (Thant Tessman)

Limit Telecom profiteering

When unretrievable credit remains at the end of a call from a public phone 
box, place the receiver on top of the phone and press the "Follow On Call" 
button to give the next user the benefit. If we all did this, it would save 
everyone money and cut extravagant phone company profits. (Ian Potter)

Rates for queue-jumpers

Grocery stores and theatre box offices should advertise a "cut to the front 
of the queue" price, receipts either funding lower prices or being shared 
among the patient queuers. (Robin Hanson)

DIY Futures comes free with a pounds 15 subscription to the Institute for 
Social Inventions or is available on its own for pounds 14.85. (20, Heber 
Road, London NW2 6AA. Tel: 0181-208-2853).