project dream ball - upon a fold

project dream ball... February 18, 2010

unplug_1 The philosophy of Unplug Design is to create products that offer a little bit of happiness everyday.

The Dream Ball project is an example of how good design can go a long way to help people in need. Aid boxes are delivered everyday to third world countries. So Unplug designed a pattern that could be adapted to different shaped aid boxes so once the box is empty of supplies it could be made into a football! A game of football in these areas is often a way for kids to escape their reality of poverty, war and famine. They make their own balls from palm leaves, rope or plastic bags filled with dirt, so Unplugs design certainly makes for a more comfortable kick, especially when bare feet are involved!

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The balls are made from durable heavyweight paper and come with illustrated instructions to create a range of different sized balls.

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Comments

Anonymous — 18 February at 12:00PM

Wow! This is such a cool, innovative idea. So simple and practical, but it takes real genius to create the simplest things. Kudos!

Charlotte, Lovely at Your Side

                 www.lovelyatyourside.com

Justine - upon a fold — 20 February at 10:21AM

Yes, I agree!

Erin — 22 February at 12:27PM

This post made me cry. When I went to Zimbabwe a few years back, we were told to bring as many soccer balls as we could fit in our suitcases. We were practically heroes with the children when we arrived. While I wish I could do that every day, this is a super (and much more practical to manage!) idea.

Justine - upon a fold — 22 February at 11:11PM

Wow, so you would really appreciate how clever this idea is then. Yep I think it's super too!

Thomas — 30 April at 08:22AM

Would love to buy one set. In addition, make it buy one for myself and three sets go to wherever they are needed. Would love to spread the word, pls get in contact!

Barack Dola — 30 April at 06:46PM

We were calling them ‘Ajwala’ in my mother tongue!

Anonymous — 01 May at 04:02AM

Your Unplug Design links do not work – at least not in the US

tony ramirez| www.StayStrongDreamBig.com — 01 May at 07:22AM

Thanks for sharing this. I posted this on my site aswell. The more awareness there is, the more that can be done!

Justine — 01 May at 04:21PM

Barack – thanks for sharing. I’ll remember that!

Anonymous – I’ll looked into the link problem and it seems their site is down for some reason. I’ll keep the link as is just in case it comes back up. Thanks for letting me know.

Justine — 01 May at 04:23PM

Thanks Tony. I agree, the more awareness, the better!

Shea — 04 May at 12:54AM

Brilliant. So much better than just making more trash. Could also see it in consumer applications to reduce waste.

Justine — 04 May at 10:40AM

Shea – I agree with you. There are so many other ways this idea could be utilised to reduce waste. Good design has so much more to offer than just good looks ; )