The city of Venice has been called many names: "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "The City of Light", etc. With a population of roughly 271,000, the city stretches across 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. Venice is a place that is often associated with mystery intrigue. Not surprisingly, it has been featured in countless books, movies and poems. With the role the city has played in the arts, Venice was also one of the major destinations for young upper-class Europeans throughout the 1600 - 1800s embarking on the Grand Tour.
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2.) Idea - 'Smart Cards', contactless payment
Essentially, smart cards are pocket-sized cards which are embedded with integrated circuits that can process data. These items are most often associated with the idea of "touch and go" payment - where users can load money into their cards and use it to pay for thing such as gas, bus fare, etc.
While some US cities already have systems similar to this - the cards still have a limited application. (For example, while the Boston transit system has a reusable card system known as the Charlie Card, it can only be used on the subways.)
Perhaps the best example of this system would be Hong Kong's "Octopus Card", which is used for virtually all public transport in the city. But its use extends beyond train fare - the Octopus Card can also be used as payment at convenience stores, supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, parking meters and even vending machines. The Octopus Card has been recognized internationally, winning the Chairman's Award at the World Information Technology and Service Alliance in 2006.
The implementation and use of smart cards/contactless payment in cities like Kansas City would greatly facilitate day to day life, as well as provide a more environmentally friendly option to signing receipts for credit/debit cards and writing checks, etc.
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3.) Energy - Solar
Solar energy has been a prominent presence in the green movement. But while many corporations and groups have started to utilize solar energy, it is still a rather expensive alternative for the average consumer. Put perhaps through design we can present consumers with small steps towards solar energy.
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