Invention and instruction go hand in hand

I found a really nifty website the other day — instructables.com. It contains instructions for do-it-yourself projects, such as a Rubik’s cube that operates using magnets instead of a mechanical turning mechanism. I also enjoy the Make magazine blog, although I have yet to pick up a copy of the magazine itself. Maybe I’ll get a copy of their new sister zine, Craft. Make has their own “how-tos” section with instructions as well, and some links to instructables as well, which are more project-oriented instructions.

Another related item that came across my newsfeed this morning is about the Idea to Product Competition at the University of Texas. My favorites are The Micro Dynamo, an ultra-compact human-powered battery charger capable of recharging cell phones (and other portable devices), and ParkSpot, a service that lets you locate and/or reserve parking spots in real time via any cell phone.

Subscribe to the comments for this post