TFG Ten: Why motivation matters, why lend your sight, why Facebook is important
27th January 2015
Welcome to the Tech For Good Ten, where we share the best 10 links in the Tech For Good world from the past week.
We’re aiming to share a wide range of links, meeting people behind the latest digital innovations, showcasing the greatest tech for good products
Most importantly, we’ll be meeting the people and institutions who are actually using this technology, showing the positive difference it makes in their lives, their communities and the world around them.
We’re also encouraging debate around “What exactly is Tech For Good?” Join the debate in the comments below. We’re here to discuss all things Tech For Good.
Got a link to share with the Tech For Good Team? Tweet us at @techfotgoodtv or leave a comment on our Facebook page.
Tech For Good Ten 27.01.2015
1. Be My Eyes
“An app that connects blind people with volunteer helpers from around the world via live video chat. Download now and start helping blind people see.”
2. Why motivation matters in public sector innovation
“The lack of seriousness about public sector innovation is striking, and contrasts starkly with the worlds of science and technology.”
3. Why is Facebook so important for highly-educated unemployed people?
“All along the period of scarce employment, highly-educated unemployed people have an acute need to express what they sense is their special knowledge – be that thoughts, skills, or talents – that is not requested locally.”
4. Help from designers wanted for Democracy Club
“Be it with branding, UX, IA, or service design, I’m using “design” here in the widest way possible because almost any of the sub-disciplines would be of help to us. Really we need people to assess all and any parts of the public side of the sites we’re working on and try to improve them.”
5. Digital development and innovation: Q&A with the Innovation Labs team
“Working successfully in digital is often about finding the right technical partner, being prepared to admit when something is not working, and realising that the best things can develop in ways you do not expect nor that you are able to fully control.”
6. 7 admirable start-ups that are driving social change
“Witness the recent decision of Google Ventures to back away from consumer Internet start-ups and focus more on health care and life-sciences companies, and Y Combinator, the most powerful start-up accelerator in the world, backing seven nonprofits in its latest class.”
7. Can Social Media Hack Democracy in 2015?
“Our electoral system works best when everyone feels like their voice is being heard. In groups, or by our friends. In 2015 social media finally offers the realistic prospect of that being the case.”
8. 10 fundamental design rules for nonprofits
“Good design can change the world — or at least help nonprofits and social good organizations in the process. Whether it's using a website to tell compelling stories or creating an innovative product, design and social change go hand in hand.”
9. 5 Ways Open Government Data Can Inspire Startup Innovation
“Although aggregating massive amounts of information might sound like a grueling, expensive endeavor, there’s a good chance a government agency has already dedicated resources to gathering some of the information you’re seeking.”
10. Stop playing games: using gamification for good
“I really wanted to challenge myself about how we could use gamification to rethink the way we co-design activities rather than just call something a game to make it sound cool.”