Thanks to Mike Kerr and his newsletter #229 for sharing this wacky but inspired invention. This creative and ingenious device was part of the Washington D.C. Project for the Arts. Designed by artist Tom Greaves this red and white 5-foot tall box was small in size but big on impact. When placed on the street the Compliment Box gives out random compliments such as “You are awesome,” and “You have a nice voice,” as well as “People are drawn to your positive energy.”
The machine generated increased foot traffic in the area and was a huge hit. The interesting thing is how many people wanted one of their own (me included). I say don’t stop with one! Let’s add them to all the heavily pedestrian cities, put one at your office, and of course department stores and businesses with long lines. I remember when I lived in Florida and a Wal-Mart near my work put in a TV screen at every register that played Wal-Mart TV. They had clips from comedy shows and funny commercials among with the ads and information. Several times it gave me an early morning smile to see a Seinfeld clip or a silly pet commercial.
Why not use a little technology to make your day a little brighter? I would love to see this idea shared and copied in new and inventive ways in the future. How about a vet’s waiting room that plays America’s Funniest Animals videos or a doctor’s office that plays medical jokes? What kind of ideas can you think of?
