Its always refreshing when people go above and beyond to use their design talents for a higher purpose. Daniel Phillips and Kim Karlsrud of Common Studios are two LA designers are using a simple concept to bring more interaction between people and their urban environment. Through a series of fortunate events, they have a acquired gumball machines, and have filled them with hand made seed bombs. In partnering with local businesses they have found a means of engaging local shoppers to be a part of of making the space around them more beautiful. They have teamed up with Project H (see interview below) and are using the gumball machines as a means to raise funds for more interesting social design initiatives.

Emily Pilloton is the is the founder of Project H, a non-profit social design initiative, and is doing some amazing things with design thinking. She is expanding the boundaries of design and testing the theory that design can make the world a better place. She has a unique ability to rally people behind a common goal to make some big waves in places that could really use the help.