Offline meta data! Valerie Madill proposes a new way of perusing library shelves by inserting the books into colour-coded sleeves that provide substantial at-a-glance bibliographical information about each book. Important information can be accessed without opening the book, or even pulling it right off the shelf. The user can locate the object of a search faster by honing in on the appropriate wrap colour. Examples shown are based on non-fiction books.

+ valeriemadill.com

The Messenger/Receiver House is a project by Colm Keller, Chris Knox and Bastian Bischoff, 3 design students completing an MA. Design at HDK in Gothenburg, that was conceived to collect and analyse public opinion about homelessness. Students of graphics and product design joined forces to create an eye-catching public exhibit that draws attention to a very social issue. The bright colours drew people in and apparently some wanted the structures to use as dog houses! But once they absorb and process the messages on the houses, there is more time to reflect on the seriousness of the issue. Eventually the project will involve smaller versions to be decorated by homeless people and well known creatives to be auctioned off to raise funds for organizations that deal with homelessness.

+ hdk.gu.se

Can design help cure social ills? It's a tall order, but there is no doubt that design can help. Architecture for Humanity and eco design are familiar and comfortable places where design can make a difference. Less comfortable, but no less important or worthy, is homelessness in our own backyards, and now, the Aphrodite Project's Platforms which use design and technology to bring sex workers on par with other public workers. "6-inch, silver leather sandals with built-in video and GPS technology that link the wearer to emergency services and an online community network. These design elements combine the rich mythology of Aphrodite with the concerns of sex workers on the streets: safety, advertising/promotion, and community.". Via blog.elektra.