Protos

Will they made this for the game “GO” but you could imagine using it for several other things.

Go may not be very popular here in the US, but that didn’t stop me from actually taking a few lessons when I was a kid (ladies, quit knocking down my door). Plus, it didn’t stop this guy from designing an electronic roll-up Go board.

Shaped like a roll of parchment when contracted, the Go board rolls out to show the black and white pieces with what looks like e-ink. That’s a fantastic idea, which could be extended to chess, checkers or Chinese checkers—since when I play somebody usually gets angry and knocks the pieces off the board when they lose. And by somebody, I mean me. – Jason Chen

Via: gizmodo.com

Observe!

I wish I was so clever that I could invent stuff like that ^^

Businessweek has published the top innovative companies for 2007. The results are by the BusinessWeek-Boston Consulting Groups survey of senior executives on the 2007 Most Innovative Companies

Once again, we surveyed senior executives worldwide to develop our list. While many of the names, such as Toyota, IBM, and Starbucks, make repeat appearances, there were also big changes. These include Honda’s eco-fueled leap from No. 23 to No. 12; Disney’s soar onto the charts, thanks in part to the Steve Jobs halo effect; and Dell’s precipitous fall, as its reputation for business model innovation continues to lose ground to competitors’ new product designs. Take a look at the top 50 most innovative companies on our list.

It is however not 100% how these companies was rated…? the criterion’s chosen are not clear (http://www.businessweek.com/)

Anyway all 50 honorable mentions: @ businessweek.com

Here is the top 7:

1. Apple
2006 rank: 1

As our first-place innovator for the third year in a row, Apple reigns again. The iPod creator is a master of superb product, store, and experience design. Now that it’s invading the living room and the cell-phone market, will it continue the winning streak?

I disagree with this. I think it’s mostly branding. What was their innovation in 2007 that should make them number one? They promised a phone that haven’t made it to the market yet…?

Sure they have nice products, but did they innovate products or branding. IMHO branding doesn’t count in a survey on innovation. Maybe the Ipod is so easy to use that even senior executives worldwide can be impressed?

2. Google
2006 rank: 2

Google didn’t invent search advertising but lifted it to its lucrative heights. Its famously chaotic product development process, in which engineers spend 20% of their time on projects of their choosing, has plunged the search giant into everything from radio ads to online office software.

They should have been number one. The shear volume. Most notable for 2007: Putting the office suite in a browser and their entering into small to mid-size business collaboration solutions is reason enough.

3. Toyota Motor
2006 rank: 4

Toyota’s dominance in hybrids has led to gas-electric cars for its Lexus brand and could bring the first plug-in electric hybrid within the next four years. The carmaker’s famous continuous improvement process—its own unsexy but effective approach to innovation—is being copied worldwide.

Toyota has sold more cars than GM in the US market this year, they have surpassed BMW in quality. I think they did more than Apple.

4. General Electric
2006 rank: 6

GE’s “imagination breakthroughs,” CEO Jeff Immelt’s name for growth opportunities of $50 million to $100 million, are now increasingly focused on emerging markets and green tech. The Six Sigma conglomerate is making senior teams take innovation courses at its famed Crotonville (N.Y.) campus.

I have no idea what GE really does. I should pay more attention :-)

5. Microsoft
2006 rank: 5

To some, Microsoft is more fast follower than bleeding-edge innovator. Still, the software giant’s multibillion-dollar R&D generates everything from handwriting-recognition software to sharper font resolution. While not flashy, such creations help ensure Windows and Office hegemony.

w00t…

6. Procter & Gamble
2006 rank: 7

The consumer product giant’s “Connect & Develop” approach to product development has become an influential strategy for a new era. With its focus on finding creative external solutions, P&G is mapping the innovation strengths of regions around the world.

I have no clue…?

7. 3M
2006 rank: 3

Everyone knows the legendary story about the Post-it Note, but that’s only one of 55,000 creations from 3M, which makes everything from dental fillings to roofing shingles to air purifiers. Next on its list: diagnostic tests for infectious diseases.

I can only say I love every product they make that I use. In my mind they are high quality. Also I really like the add they did for security glass:

But these puzzle me why is IDEO at place number 28 tied with IKEA – both those companies rate higher in my mind?

28: IDEO (Tie)
2006 rank: 15

IDEO redefined good design by helping companies create customer experiences, innovative organizational cultures, and design services, not just products. It’s now drawing consumers back to biking with an open-source design project with bicycle component manufacturer Shimano.

tied with IKEA

28. IKEA (Tie)
2006 rank: 19

Ikea single-handedly democratized design for the masses from Shanghai to Salzburg. Want an IKEA home for your IKEA wares? The Swedish inventor of the flat-pack is rolling out its BoKlok homes across Europe while churning out thousands of new product designs each year.

Anyway – it’s a matter of taste I guess.

I would like to see some more games like this. I am sure you must be able to make exercise more fun :-)