I just read about tweenbots, a New York art student’s thesis project to determine whether busy New Yorkers will help a defenseless robot just trying to make its way across Washington Square Park. Kacie Kinzer designed these adorable little robots and set them free in the park so that strangers can help them get where they’re going.You should definitely check out her site to get the whole story. It is laid out there beautifully, with pictures and a video to boot!

I thought this idea was a great way to test people’s willingness to stop what they are doing and help something out with no reward for themselves. Think it would work here in Dallas? How about where you are?

Wow, only a few hours later from finding out about the above project, and I’ve come across another intereting endeavor. The Toy Society is a project that began in Australia, and has now spread all over the world. People make handcrafted toys and then leave them places so that others can find them and take them home. I love the thought of coming across a special gift randomly, and of leaving one, too! What a way to brighten someone’s day!

The neat thing about both of these projects is that they encourage people to think of others, whether they be cute little robots or a person who finds a cool toy you’ve left behind. In tough economic times like these ( I feel like a news announcer when I say that), it is so important not to get caught up in an isolationist attitude. Remember to share a smile with someone. When you do, you will feel better, too!