Sunday, September 20, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

Topic

Creativity

New answers to old problems.

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CreativityGood News Network

Indian Home Stays Cool Without A/C Through Clever Clay Architecture

In a world increasingly grappling with the effects of rising temperatures, a home in Kerala, India, offers a refreshing blueprint for sustainable architecture. Designed by Elemental Architects, this house leverages traditional materials and clever design to stay cool without air conditioning, even during the hottest months. By understanding and harnessing natural airflow, the home utilizes a north-south orientation, open brick walls, and clay lattices to facilitate ventilation. The use of local materials like laterite and clay tiles further enhances thermal regulation, making the house not just a shelter, but a living, breathing entity that adapts to its environment.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
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CreativityUpworthy

A man who wanted to ‘see music’ paired a piano with bioluminescent algae. It’s magical to watch.

In a world where music is traditionally an auditory experience, He Tongxue and his team at HTX Studio in Hangzhou, China, have created an awe-inspiring fusion of sound and light by pairing a piano with bioluminescent algae. This journey of innovation took three years, involving numerous prototypes that ranged from smoke rings to paint vortexes, each iteration failing to achieve the desired harmony between music and visual spectacle. However, it was in the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence, a reaction of luciferin and luciferase in algae, that they found their answer, culminating in the creation of the Blue Tears Piano.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
YouTube
CreativityUpworthy

People with rare ‘hyperphantasia’ condition share what having an incredibly vivid imagination is like

The article explores the fascinating realm of hyperphantasia—a condition where individuals possess extraordinarily vivid imaginations, allowing them to visualize scenarios with almost tangible clarity. This rare ability, shared by only 3% to 6% of the population, enables individuals to conjure images so detailed they can almost touch, smell, and hear them, blurring the lines between imagination and reality. The piece delves into personal accounts, such as a person describing their ability to see, smell, and taste an apple with their mind's eye, and another's experience of perceiving dinosaurs while driving at dusk, illustrating the profound impact this condition has on daily life.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Gratitude
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CreativityInstagram

Funny PSA: "Cringe" was invented by Big Normal — embrace your whimsy

In a delightful twist on social commentary, a humorous PSA confronts the societal construct of 'cringe' as a tool of 'Big Normal,' a fictional corporation embodying societal pressure to conform. This clever narrative invites us to reconsider the boundaries we set for ourselves, often dictated by a fear of judgment. The PSA suggests that what we label as 'cringey' is typically a vibrant expression of our true selves, urging us to embrace these quirks as acts of defiance against the stifling norms of conformity.

  • Courage
  • Humor
  • Authenticity
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CreativityGood News Network

Artist Creates Amazingly Detailed Drawings Using Only Typewriter Keystrokes (LOOK)

James Cook, a London-based artist, has turned the mechanical clatter of vintage typewriters into a symphony of visual art. Using only his right index finger, he painstakingly types over a million keystrokes to create intricate artworks, from cityscapes to celebrity portraits. His latest masterpiece, 'Wimbledon 2026', combines his love for tennis and art, taking six weeks to complete and gaining viral attention with over 8 million views on social media. Cook's journey from a school art project to a full-time artist showcases his unique ability to blend nostalgia with modern creativity.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Creativity
YouTube
CreativityUpworthy

Couple in Japan invents a nearly perfect cat litter box that solves many common problems

The invention of the 'Japanese Poop House' by Rachel and Jun, a couple in Japan, represents a thoughtful solution to a universal pet owner problem: the cat litter box. Their design addresses common issues such as litter spillage, odor, and the aesthetics of incorporating a litter box into a home. By prioritizing functionality and design, Rachel spent two years crafting a litter box that not only meets practical needs but also blends seamlessly into their living space. This innovation is a testament to the power of creativity and personal investment in solving everyday challenges.

  • Creativity
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness

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