The homogenous state of UK culture is often criticised. Multi-national stores and conglomerates have supposedly taken over the high street; major labels have consumed independent artists; and the only restaurants available are chain bistros and cafes. However, it is my belief that there are plenty of independent treasures out there, both online and in the street. You just have to take the care to look for them.

Through this blog I will do that leg-work for you, introducing you to independent gems that you can then check out for yourself. Indie Treasures focuses on independent culture and enterprise in the UK, revealing shops, restaurants, designers, record labels and artists, triumphing both their autonomy and their vision and creativity. There is a huge, burgeoning independent scene out there, full of true individualism and quality, and almost always at very reasonable prices. So think of this baby as you independent guide to an independent weekend!

Saturday, 8 June 2013

Technology Will Save Us


Fully ensconced in the hippest part of the East London scene is Technology Will Save Us – a bright new company that works to encourage people to be more creative with technology through interactive products and workshops.

Technology Will Save Us are essentially a hard-wear kit company, but with a fun twist that aims to inspire and encourage better relations with technology. Founded 18 months ago by wife and husband team Bethany Koby and Daniel Hirshman, the idea behind Technology Will Save Us is to offer a “haberdashery for technology” providing all the tools you need to make devises from scratch.

 
Koby and Hirshman developed the company ethos after being shocked to find a fully charged, useable laptop in a skip. The pair cleaned it up and donated it to charity, but were incensed by the throwaway culture many of us now have towards what is still marvellously impressive technology. They determined that in our modern, post-recession society we often cherish our own creations, while consuming and disposing of purchases rapidly. Giving people the tools and knowledge to create and fix technology (much like many already do with sewing or baking) would make people much more likely to reuse rather than repurchase.

 
Technology Will Save Us offer kits that will allow you to create a variety of clever technological feats, included DIY speakers, plant thirst detectors and synthesisers, as well as vital “make to and mend” basics such as soldering kits. These kits provide the equipment to create cool, clever devices that you will want to own, use, or even better create yourself.  


As well as offering the tools to create hardware from scratch, Technology Will Save Us are dedicated to helping people with the on-going process of learning how to create this technology for themselves. They hold regular workshops and events at venues throughout London, from House of Wolf to the Google Campus, to their own HQ in South Hackney. Workshops offer a fully integrated classes, providing attendees with a kit alongside the perfect combination of guidance and independent learning. Sessions usually last an hour or two, and mixed abilities are welcome. And you even get a cocktail to enjoy throughout the session.

 
Technology Will Save Us kits start from a very reasonable £12.50. Each kit is fun to make, presumes no prior knowledge, and are available to buy online or through various outlets in East London such as Rough Trade East and TWSU HQ. Remote help creating your technology is readily available through FAQs and downloadable user guides.


http://technologywillsaveus.org/
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