All watched over by machines of loving grace!

OK, this is not a strictly design related post, or is it? However, if you have not seen Adam Curtis's documentary ALL WATCHED OVER BY MACHINES OF LOVING GRACE you should really do so! Fascinating, challenging, and fun to watch too. Heres a clip

It really makes you think, what is behind the design explosion. I have to say that I am not a follower of Ayn Rand by the way. I am more of a Buckminster Fuller if anything!! Watch this!

The full version is on BBC Iplayer here or on Youtube here

His other films are here if you want more!

Renewable energy and efficiency

I went with a colleague to Sustainabilitylive! 2011 on Weds 25th May, and the exhibition covers all renewable energies. Something which I am very interested in.

I have to be honest, that I was rather disappointed to see a lack of innovative products from Britain, in the show, although I am very sure there are some extremely forward thinking companies in the UK. Something seems to stop us from taking the technology lead to the forefront. In the main exhibition, the only product I got really exited about was unfortunately German! A great idea to increase the the efficiency of impellers, and very much borrowed from nature. Makes the machine run silent too, and is designed for air-conditioning on the outside of buildings.

The UKTI were a different matter however. I was very very impressed with their forward-thinking, and clearly on the button of what is needed for business. But it looks like the Government unfortunately is always a step behind? So perhaps this is a side effect of BIG government? There are currently too many stages between ideas and success. Lets hope that we don't miss out on the next upcoming technologies... After meeting with the Chinese deligation, I know that they have a "5 year plan" and these people don't just make cheap products, they plan ahead and are on to it now in a big way. Lets take the lead, as the technologists are here in the UK, and surely we are not going to give the game away on the next big thing. Energy saving products.

Inventors Guide

I get a lot of enquiries from inventors, and unless they have learned the heard way, they are often a little "wet behind the ears" when it comes to understanding the dangerous market that they are heading into.

This is no reason to give up, but be warned that you can fall easily at the first hurdle, if you are not prepared to understand how this market operates.

It is good to get legal advice, and you can often get an hour for free through Legal Aid. But for now, there is this...

I cannot recommend this Invention Guide enough. The website http://www.abettermousetrap.co.uk/ is an excellent resource from a seasoned inventor, and the book by Peter Bissell, is one that I reccomend to many many new clients.

A Better Mousetrap is practical, plain-speaking and readable. It treats invention as a business activity that demands a professional and well-planned, strategic approach. It tells you how to:

•…avoid mistakes
•…limit your risk at every stage
•…stay in control.

And for only £12 this invaluable book is everything you need to understand IP, how to deal with companies, the development process, and marketing. You should consider putting this on your reading list. It could save you a fortune!

Moreover, the clue to the reason that this book is so great, is in the title "The Business of Invention". This book is easy to read, and is written by a seasoned inventor who has made all the mistakes that you really don't want to. Knowledge is power, so buy it today!

New funding scheme to support innovative small companies - Starts April 2011

Hi,

I have just created a mailing list with people I know that are interested in developing new products. If you want to be included, just email me at john@thebigconsultant.com

I created the list I created today. I thought it would be easier and quicker to send any useful info that I come across and share it.

As you may or may no know, I am no big fan of Government backed funding schemes. They often end up being intensive on the old paperwork, and you often get sidelined to advisers who in my opinion have very little experience of product development.

However, I did think that this link was of interest. The blurb says

"Managed by the Technology Strategy Board, the Grant for Research and Development scheme, which comes into effect from 4 April 2011, will support small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) across the UK that want to carry out research and development generating new and innovative products and services. The new scheme supersedes the Grant for R&D scheme previously managed by England’s regional development agencies and will have similar objectives."

And the direct link is here

http://www.innovateuk.org/content/news/new-funding-scheme-will-support-innovative-small-c.ashx

I have not researched this link fully yet, and there is as we know a hold on Business Link for funding new ideas. However, I do know that government grants will be available, even with the cuts. But these will likely be subject to strict financials being provided.

Please direct any enquires via my email john@thebigconsultant.com

Kind regards,
John Biddleston

--
The BIG Consultant John Biddleston MDes BSc LCG By Phone:- +44 (0) 7879 498079 Email:- john@thebigconsultant.com "The little company with the BIG ideas" www.thebigconsultant.com

Smooth Talker product launch

The BIG Consultant is pleased to announce the launch of a new product "Smooth Talker" this month.

Designed for Special Needs (SEN) and with a modern and stylish design SMOOTH TALKER is the most versatile, single and sequential message, Communicator currently on the market.

I am pleased to see that there is already a review of this product here http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/2011/01/smooth-talker.html in which is is clear that consumers, in this case for Special Needs, are very happy with at least 2 of the new products features, which we researched and created for this market with our customer.

The product is now widely available for sale at a guide price of £109 in the UK and is also being distributed in Europe, USA and Australasia

For more product details or availability see Inclusive Technology

http://www.inclusive.co.uk/smooth-talker-p4946 in the UK or QED

http://www.callscotland.org.uk/Services/Equipment-Bank/Item-Details/index.php?recid=5790;search=toy;type=Switch in Scotland

http://www.tfeinc.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=3548 USA

http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/smooth-talker Austrailia

For all other enquiries please see http://thebigconsultant.com/partners.html