Since I discovered that my idea for a design project was "stolen" (over four years ago) I have been wracking my brain trying to come up with another one.  What about turning your phone into a device that would detect proximity of objects?  It could be used almost like an electronic cane for the visually impaired (it's been done).  What about an app for your phone that you could enter in certain interests.  The phone would detect the proximity of others with the same or similar interests.  A little like a community of practice facilitator (it's been done).  Maybe an app that would lull a baby to sleep (it's been done).  Perhaps an app for tutoring?  A user could enter any question and a subject matter expert on the other end could help (it's been done).

Quoting Punch magazine from the late 1800s . . ."Everything that can be invented, has been invented."

Like Sisyphus pushing his rock. . . I will continue to think. 

I have (had) this wonderful, amazing idea for my design project.  Imagine, if you will, an app you could load on your iPhone, iPad, Android, etc. that would allow you go create a shopping list for a particular store.  The app would interface with and allow you to choose from the store's product database with current pricing, quantity available, etc.  Now - and here's the cool part - once you get to the store there would be a localized GPS system that would compute the most efficient path through the store, telling you to stop when you reach each product!  You could also use the system for single products as you enter the store.  For instance, you walk into Lowe's or Home Depot and need just one thing. . . say duct tape.  You would search the app for duct tape and a map of the store would appear on your device and/or turn by turn directions on how to find the item.  I would think that this would be very useful in those mega warehouse stores where I think the management purposefully understaffs so customers have to walk around for hours just trying to find one single item.

I've been messing with Garage Band for a few days on my iMac.  Two words: Love it!  I have never (at least I had convinced myself) been musically inclined.  I can't read music, I can't play an instrument, not even an audiophile like a lot of my friends.  Not that I haven't tried.  I have a banjo, an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar.  I even tried harmonica a few times and the only reason I don't have a piano is that it would be too expensive and too hard to move around.  But I do know what music I like.  Enter Garage Band.  I am amazed at how easy it is to "compose" and "arrange" music from the loops provided by Apple.  Almost immediately I was able to create a very pleasant melody with vocals, drums and piano.  I surprised myself.  I am continuing to play and will (maybe) post my "song" to the forums!

I have about as much chance of becoming a great composer as I do of becoming a train conductor. . . . read: "none".  Though I have always wanted to be able to play an instrument.  So that leads me to my tool tryout subject.  Never played with it, never really even looked at it much but my new iMac came with something called Garage Band.  Evidently I can "compose" my own music.  I may end up running screaming to Drew for support but . . . . what the heck . . .  I'll give it a shot.