Customize It

I decided to choose my water bottle as the common object I wanted to evaluate for this blog post. I recently purchased a gallon from Target on Green Street and it has increased my consumption of water. I have been taking it everywhere and it has done its job well. In terms of its functionality, the gallon is meant to provide me with an ample amount of water. I am the only person who makes use of the bottle to reduce the risk of catching germs. People look at the gallon water bottle with either understanding or stereotype the person who has it. Athletes and those who frequent the gym are common users of the gallon of water to maintain hydration. As someone who maintains a respectable level of physical health, but does not go to the gym often, I felt that utilizing an object could project the wrong image.

I decided to take the gallon in a different direction. In line with Ferguson's idea of remix, I built upon an existing structure/idea and created a new purpose for the gallon. After watching Ferguson's TED Talk, I realized remix is very similar to pure innovation. I believe that he is correct that patent laws are infringing on the ability to remix or innovate. The growth of ideas should not be inhibited. The gallon has a lot of space and I thought that another use for it could be as a cooler. There is nothing we have that has the amount of free surface area, our apartment only has personal-sized bowls. I cut the top of the gallon, removed the label, and filled it with ice. I put some CapriSuns in the newly made cooler and sat outside while celebrating the University of Illinois Big Ten Championship win. It gave the gallon an increased function and can be re-used. In total, I feel that an idea with a removable piece for a gallon could help it become a multi-use cooler. I'm unsure if this innovation has already been patented or if there is any room for it to grow.