Gel Challenge 2009 finalists

I m curious abt the mewe thing. The mirror and timeline stuff was all very impulsively interesting. Can't find the website though? is it just a concept yet?

While I believe each of these entries is worthwhile, I find myself drawn to the promise of GEL Voice. Not only does it creatively respond to the challenge with purpose, but it also captures the spirit of what GEL is all about.

Love the Gel Voice concept. Eager to listen and learn!

Impressed with the ideas of Gel Voice by Jacqueline Corbelli and Jim Anderson.

GelVoice encourges cross generational interaction using the forum of choice for children. Excellent idea!

Camera. We have so many needs, and one of our biggest complaints, always—from our doctors and our judicial system and our law enforcement and our parents and our children—is that we don't list.

The listening face is one of the most beautiful. It's not the staring-into-space-bored face. It's an actively involved face. It's what it looks like to be processing and thinking and completely engaged.

I meant to say "that we don't listen." Sorry. More coffee needed.

i like jen konig's. that is my choice.

I vote for Camera, by Jennifer Konig.

I like them all, but I'll have to go with "Camera" by Jennifer Koing.

Camera, by Jennifer Konig, most definitely.

All very intriguing contributions. As a photographer I support 'Camera' though.

I also like "Camera" by Jennifer Konig.

I think Gel Voice should.

Camera. The other ideas seem interesting enough but I really like how Jennifer Konig's proposal opens up opportunities for us to take part in the conversation. And the photos would certainly offer a striking display up on your stage.

I vote for Jennifer König's contribution.

Camera, by Jennifer Konig. That's my vote. It's a beautiful concept, and I think it fits the theme so perfectly.

Gel Voice - great concept and application, helping youth. lets get away from focusing so much on the adult experience and help out kids more.

Camera, by Jennifer Konig. We don't do enough listening.

I think projects like Dear Driver are so essential - not only is it promoting better communication between cyclists and drivers, but it really hits home with the idea of catylizing opportunities for listening. It is also also such an *elegant* *doable* idea - key for any project.

My vote goes to Camera by Jennifer Konig, definitely. This is outstanding work. Listening seems to have become a lost art, and it's so important. So many people hear but never listen, and thereby miss so much. Great concept and terrific photography!

I like the spirit of all the projects; I hope they are all undertaken. Jen K's Camera feels the most accessible and widely participatory. I agree with Leslie Miller that a listening face is also one of the most beautiful.

I vote for Camera by Jennifer Konig. The camera makes it so clear that one person is talking and the other is listening. I really like that the speaker is also in the picture.

As a (mostly former) cyclist, I'll go with Dear Driver. Kudos, however, to the other excellent entries.

i vote camera. love the way the concept itself is listening to the public. symbolic in the simplest, most sharing way.

I am more interested in those that promote specific dialogue and that could effect real change. The grass-roots photo project seems more like a coffee table book idea. Choosing the photos will make everybody feel good, but it might not actually accomplish as much as the others. The bicycle & driver, for example, could save lives...

Although they are all interesting projects I'm for MeWe. Relationships are tough and break-up particularly if there are children involved can be harmful. Communications is the key to helping create longer term stability. Getting couples to learn how to listen to each other and deal with their issues is a great idea.

Camera, by Jennifer Konig. Her photography communicates the idea of listening like no other media could. Each photo tells a story interpreted personally by the viewer and sparks a potential wildfire of dialogue on the topic.

Camera, by Jennifer Konig

I like Gel Voice

when i read about the direct and simple initiative of dear driver, it made sense. i ride regularly and could use some guidance about this stuff. i often feel really alone when i'm out there on the streets on my bike. anything that gives a space to listen and talk would make me feel a lot safer and definitely help.

Camera is a brilliant idea. It is practical, feasible, has the potential to be in multiple formats and can be something that can bridge cultural barriers, as photography is its own language which doesn't require words. A picture is worth a thousand words and they can be heard in every language.

Gel Voice by Jacqueline Corbelli and Jim Anderson, hands down.

I love the dear driver concept- there is a huge need to start a dialogue between drivers and bikers- this could save a life!

Gel Voice was my favorite because it is very thoughtful, and is targeted at kids. i would emphasize how important it is to encourage people, including kids, to seek out and listen to people with whom they disagree. Otherwise, "listening" ca become a big echo chamber.

People seem to be confused about the photo exhibit. It isn't HER pictures that are going to be exhibited. Why are people thinking that?

I like Dear Driver. At first it seemed idealistic (handing someone a letter after a heated 10-second car-horn-blaring moment), but I like that it offers the site as a response mechanism.

I really like Rahul's topic!Ambitiuos project..Hope it will be usefull for someone!
I ecpress my vote for Rahul Pramanik!
Good luck

I like the mewe project. refreshing to see someone from design trying to get their hands dirty in this already chaotic domain of relationships. i liked the overall journey and look forward to seeing it developed. would love to give it a shot.

Rahul, i like to your "MeWe", really excited and can't wait to see its further development.
Very challenge, very intriguing.

I like the "MeWe" project by Rahul Pramanik. It's a well thought out concept which may really help to improve the quality of life. Appreciate the deep sense of understanding relations by the creator.

MEWE could really help revive many relationships! Obviously, many thoughts are behind each single step! Well done Rahul!

Im very thrilled about the "mewe" project.Coming from a land filled with diversity –India which believes in collectivist existence, I understand how imperative relationships are. I’m impressed as the creator has taken the courage to work in such a complex zone of interpersonal relationships. Not only is the concept unique and practical, but the entire canvas which allows one to shape relationships is so intriguing. I love the project! Good Luck to the Designer

The "MEWE" project looks really nice. Im dying to try it out.

I adore the "ME WE" concept.

good work rahul!my vote goes to "mewe" project.must win entry!!

i luv d "mewe" project

all of them are quite good but the relationship one seems the most ambitious one. it is quite conceptual and yet seems like something so practically useful..simple design..effective design.

Go Gel Voice - awesome concept!!!

<3 GEL VOICE - potential to incite two-way inter-generational conversations that have big, meaningful, and lasting positive impact...that shape our future, and those of future generations..

A lot of exciting potential for Gel Voice ... they get my vote.

Gel Voice... because the children are our future

"MeWe"....my vote goes Rahul Pramanik, an ambitious and a very cleverly thought solution for an experience that every individual can connect at some or the other point in their lives.

after going through all the projects displayed, i think " mewe" is very cute and thougtful.i would vote for it.

Gel Concept=brilliant

The MeWe is my favorite. I vote Rahul!!

I'm really into the steps for handling in-person conflicts listed under the tools section of deardriver.org:

1) Take a deep breath
2) Repeat what exactly what you just heard.
3) Ask a question.
(Repeat as long as useful.)

I've seen stickers that said "you're parked in a bike lane" that effectively vandalize cars. This seems a lot more civil, with the same intention. Addresses a real issue that all bikers face every time they get on the road.

The Mewe concept is truly innovative and challenging. Good to see people with such perspective of novelty.
I vote MeWe.

Gel Voice, all the way

MEWE is my favorite. Brilliant concept. I vote for Rahul Pramanik

"MEWE Feel-Express_Explore" is a brilliant idea. In the present world where people are so engaged with their work they dont have much time to express them and connect with their loved ones. Having such a tool which allows them to note down their feeling and express with their partner is an impressive idea. In this way people can understand their partners and the relationship can improve with a better understandig for each other. Very nice idea Rahul. Wish you all the very best.

dear driver provides viral anger management skills.

vote for the best vote for rahul!!!

Hi Mr Rahul.I love your " MeWe" concept.Well done

i vote goes to "Me We" project

i like the Mewe thing. Its a refreshingly new thought. I am fed up of the tweets and twats and all the annoying friends that come along with it. we need something personal. something we can make meaning from.

My vote goes to Dear Driver. I like Erik and Josh’s focus on a growing listening challenge with life and death consequences and on capturing in-the-moment hard to grab listening opportunities. The website, letter templates and toolkit look ready to go and the exposure from showing at Gel would make a difference.

This project is amazing!
WeMe can really change the future of relationship!
well done rahul!
elena

Rahul indeed a commendable effort....GREAT SHOW MAN!!!!! My vote for " MEWE" concept.

I like Dear Driver the best -it is a simple, direct way to create dialogue that otherwise doesn't exist. It's more interactive than the other projects and promotes listening in a really creative way while addressing a very serious problem.

For very practical reasons, I think that Dear Driver is a great idea. It's simple and addresses a real need. It is both specific and scalable. Promoting bicycling as part of the solution to so many nasty urban problems is rightfully in vogue now. This seems like a nice way to educate drivers through meaningful dialogue and make the streets better for biking.

"MeWe"Project is one of the beautiful concept I have ever come across.My firm belief is that this will certainly improve the quality of life in general and society in particular in a big way. I wish all the success for the designer.

I am impressed with Rahul Pramanik's brilliant project "MeWe". Good Rahul for this unique concept and the sense of understanding the relationsship is so deeply. All the very best

gel voice - forward thinking and for the kdis

all good. i vote for dear driver.

I would vote for Dear Driver. As a routine bike commuter, I'm all for anything that will promote cycling and improve its safety. Given the problems we have with traffic, energy, and health, increased participation in biking is a simple way to improve the world.

Dear Driver has my vote! Great idea and simple effective way to put into practice. Maybe cities can adopt something along these lines as part of new bike lane or related projects...

Gel Voice has the greatest reach. If successful it could have the greatest impact for the most people.

gel voice looks pretty interesting to me pop a vote on that!

I vote for the Me We idea by Rahul.
I find it intriguing.
Could apply beyond the setting of a couple.
Serge
'The French Guy from New Jersey'

Gel Voice...voted for!

Gel Voice

Being a mother and educator of children, listening is a very important aspect of how we help our children grow and shape their world. While I really love Jennifer's project, listening without action is passive. Listening and using what we hear to enact change and growth is where the future lies. I really love the concept of Gel Voice. Listening and empowering the ideas of our youth is a winning concept.

Gel Voice has my vote!

tough choices - going with Camera

All worthy finalists but Gel Voice connects with the dreams and passions that will drive the future and provides the platform/tools that enable reality.

Being a mother and educator of children, listening is a very important aspect of how we help our children grow and shape their world. While I really love Jennifer's project, listening without action is passive. Listening and using what we hear to enact change and growth is where the future lies. I really love the concept of Gel Voice. Listening and empowering the ideas of our youth is a winning concept.

I vote for gel voice

I vote for Gel Voice - I love the idea of teaching children to listen as a part of problem-solving!

my vote goes to -mewe.i think its unique and crisp! wonderful entry

i vote for "mewe". dynamic concept~

I vote for Dear Driver, by Erik Fabian and Josh Weinstein because this is an important issue in every city in America. Erik and Josh have devised a creative response to this complex problem.

I vote for Dear Driver. As an everyday bike rider I encounter situations all the time, where I feel startled, threatened or annoyed by a car driver and would like to make them more aware of the bike riders situation. Especially as part of the problem is communication - some car drivers for example think they are doing the right thing by honking to warn us, when they drive by a bike and are not aware that they actually startle us - the approach of Dear Driver has the ability to really change things. In the past days I already wished several times that I had my letter with me.

sometimes bikers and drivers seem like they are warring factions, or simply different, incomprehensible species. Dear Driver is an important initiative that could promote better inter-species relations. I just wonder what drivers might say in their "Dear Biker" letters...

Gel Voice is wise to start with listening first. I'm eager to see them take this concept and run with it!

Gel Voice all the way!!!!

I vote for the project MeWe - Rahul Pramanik, creative, interesting and deals with personal feelings!

Just thought you all might like to know that tomorrow, November 27, is a National Day of Listening:

http://www.nationaldayoflistening.org/

How cool is that?!?

And for what it's worth, I think all of the finalists have presented provocative, fabulous ideas, and I'd love a chance to somehow combine them. Not sure how that could work, but it's interesting to think about.

Anyway, have a wonderful holiday!

--Jennifer

I like Gel Voice, it seems like the best of all the choices available. Rock on!

mewe seems a very imaginative approach to a domain ruled mostly by preachy therapists. there seems to have a lot of thought put behind it but what is visible is only the simplicity and ease of use. this is a very hard to achieve thing and therefore makes me vote for it.

My choice is Gel Voice. Listening is a core competency that would really be valuable pushed out to the next generation. Would like to see greater emphasis on them being encouraged to "listen" to both sides of topics rather than just the politically correct or media fed views. Gel Voice could provide that type of venue for them to be encouraged to do independent issue analysis and have their voices heard.

'Me-We' - very interesting. Unique thinking. I like it. My vote goes to Rahul.

Really like Dear Driver. I'm a bicyclist, pedestrian and driver. I can understand the frustrations and misunderstandings that can arise from any of these perspectives. I think Dear Driver goes right to the heart of the problem: sharing information and reaching understanding in a what is often a tense environment. Nice work!

I really like where Dear Driver is going. As I spend 3 hours on the road each day, i encounter a lot of driver-on-driver interactions. Luckily, many happen behind closed doors, and without incident. But I often imagine how I might handle an accident situation where tempers are flaring. For whatever reason, we have become conditioned to yelling and screaming as an acceptable form of communication during driving and road accidents. I suppose we assume the worst intentions of our fellow drivers. So, if Dear Driver can help poor communication on the road, I believe we may be onto something much broader. Good luck to all the other participants as well!

Personally, I am a pragmatist and really liked the brass tacks actionable approach to DearDriver. As a New Yorker I think that anything that fosters increased dialogue is incredible and I can see people responding well and fully forming a functional community around an idea. I think that there are multiple options for DearDriver to foster communication on multiple levels. The idea transcends ethnicity, gender and economic status and anything that is an equalizer and applies to all urban residents unilaterally (we are all either riders or drivers at some point here)is an idea worth exploring. DearDriver not only creates opportunity for people listen to each other it does so by presenting them to one another as equals.

Hey Ross, thanks for your comments. It does sometimes seem like bikers and drivers are descended from different lines - but I want to highlight that this isn't simply about a cyclist giving a motorist a letter, its about creating an event for better listening. Our letter template includes a secure email address through the Dear Driver website where we ask drivers to respond to receiving a letter. The idea doesn't stop at the intervention, it starts there. We envision this being the point of starting better communication outside the heat of the moment interaction where we think behavior change can occur.

Speaking of which, did you see this story on NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120457877?

An aggressive driver in LA who intentionally used his car as a weapon to injury cyclists in a road rage incident. Talked about strained inter-species relations...Fortunately, I think there *is* an opportunity to improve the situation in most cases through communication and awareness raising.

From the perspective of experiences, the mewe project seems to have taken-on a deep, complex subject for exploration. There are so many elements at work in such an investigation. However, no matter the complexities, this is a critically important area and I think the outcome is a very fine example of serving people's well being through well crafted experience design.

There's a fine line between pedestrian, driver, and cyclist. This is the problem, there shouldn't be. It's understandable when drivers don't understand that their actions were dangerous. The key is to educate them through a non-violent open dialogue. Dear Driver addresses this perfectly, especially when it can be read on their own time and not "in the heat of the moment". A pedestrian isn't better than a driver, a driver isn't better than a cyclist and any which way you view it -- we are all equal. Let's talk about it instead of yelling about it. Because whatever we've been doing now, hasn't been working and needs to be changed.

Go Gel Voice!

I vote for Gel Voice. Children are the future.

+1 for GelVoice

There are no greater issues in the world today than the global economic and environmental crisises that our own and future generations will face. Because of this I cast my vote for Gel Voice.

Dear Driver is such a simple, direct, inexpensive and actionable concept. No limit to how far and wide it could spread. Very much about promoting trust and personal responsibility in a shared space.

Definitely Dear Driver. I like it. It focuses on crucial communications that are lacking. it must Gel

I am a fan of dear driver! i think biking is a great way to stay healthy, protect the environment, and reduce personal expenses. driver awareness needs to increase so that the roads are safe for bikers!

i like mewe. listening in relationships is key to their survival. And the concept does this in a very creative and light hearted way.

I think Dear Driver is a great project and a great way to make this environmentally friendly mode of transport safer and more popular.

Dear Driver could very well save many lives. Anger never pays - creative projects like this brings goodwill, happiness & ultimately survival. Other cities and towns could benefit from this one...

Dear Driver is a cool project that could really work!
What a concept that people stop being angry behind the wheel!
And the benefit for the environment!
I love it!

i think all the projects seem good, perhaps it is a matter of who identifies with what situation most is what is going to decide eventually. personally i like the mewe project as i haven't seen anything like this before and i believe joining life streaming and relationships is a very clever approach to enhance listening. Good job!

Gel 2010 attendees should log in here...
http://gelconference.com/db

...to cast their vote, by March 26, 2010, for which entry should win the Challenge. Thanks!

P.S. Gel 2010 signup, speakers, and agenda:
http://gelconference.com/10/