Design as problem-solving

I love PBS. I do. I love CBC too, don’t get me wrong. But last night on PBS I watched an interesting documentary on California’s efforts to become greener.

There were lots of compelling facts—and a few glossed-over items I admit—but two things in particular stood out for me as illustrations of design as problem-solving.

One of the greatest hindrances to widespread adoption of alternative power sources is cost. Solar power is no different but the first step in a breakthrough happened when Nanosolar implemented a manufacturing technology to replace the costly silicone wafer-based panels of yore. Using an ink coating over a thin metal foil substrate yields a cheaper, flexible and almost-as-powerful product.

Whilst it still isn’t cheap for individuals to purchase solar panels for their homes, it’s now much more accessible to businesses. The manufacturing process itself—producing long sheets which are then cut into panels—is also a lot more effective.

The second greatest hindrance is the, perceived or real, lack of availability or practicality. Electric cars are a case in point. With their comparatively reduced autonomy, electric vehicle are suspected of not being able to meet the needs of commuters. But even that, if we’re to believe Volvo, is set to change.

In an effort to surmount some of these misconceptions and explore new ways of getting around, Google, as early as 2007, introduced its plug-in vehicle program, RechargeIT—a vision into our future, if all goes according to reason. The cars recharge while employees are at work using power from—wait for it—a solar roof. Inspiring.