Hasta La Ideas

On one end of the product design spectrum we have idiots making USB-powered sandwich warmers, i.e. useless junk that no one asked for and that hopefully does not turn a profit. On the other end we have Vestergaard-Frandsen.

Chances are you’ve not heard of the company, but you’ve probably heard of the LifeStraw, a plastic cylinder fitted with a filter that those in less developed countries can use to drink water–even from puddles–safely. Vestergaard-Frandsen manufactures the LifeStraw and a host of other products that are both innovative and seek to better the lives of poor people around the world.

The New York Times takes a look at the fascinating story behind the company. It will remind you how much of what we design is frivolous!

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