It’s amazing to see how people can make incredible improvements to everything around them often with very limited resources.  One blog that consistently appeals to people (especially other engineers) because of this is Afrigadget.  This blog highlights innovations in rural African communities, both by local people and outside inventors.  These innovations are often surprisingly simple but always technical, and never fail to impress.  Engineers of all types and from all locations can learn from the simplicity and creativity highlighted in this blog.

Some of my Favorites

A shopkeeper has recycled old sandals to hang the door to his shop.  This creates a sturdy mount that is hinged and spring-loaded by the flexible footwear to ensure the front door closes behind his customers.

Read the rest of this entry »