Users can search the Idea Index in several ways; by browsing through entries page by page using the "Next" and "Previous" links at the bottom of the screen; using the "Ideas by Selection Status" links in the gray box on the right side of the screen; or using the "Ideas by Tag" links also on the right side of the screen.

Ideas by Selection Status
» Featured entries serve as a "snapshot" of the entire entry pool and will be rotated periodically to display 10 to 15 different entries every few weeks.
» Winner will display the winner of the 2008 Buckminster Fuller Challenge. As we complete additional Challenge cycles this link will allow users to easily view all past winners of the Challenge.
» Finalists are those entries selected as runner's up by the Challenge jury.
» Semi-finalists are those entries that were selected by the 2008 Buckminster Fuller Challenge advisors to be advanced to the jury.

Ideas by Tag
The tags on the right side of the screen denote the topics or problems tackled by ideas in the Index. These tags were generated both by the applicants themselves and by the BFI staff. Click a tag to display all entries that deal with that topic or problem.

Getting Involved
We want the Idea Index to serve as a tool to educate, network, and help solve problems. As an educational tool, the Index is full of hopeful, exciting ideas and solutions to pressing problems. As a networking tool, the Index allows site visitors to contact the project leader of an entry they find interesting, leave a constructive and encouraging comment (requires site registration) or offer a suggestion to improve a project, or contact BFI to find out more information about a project. Finally, The Idea Index presents a fully searchable database of socially-responsible initiatives, in all stages of development, in need of further funding and support. If you are interested in providing funding to a project featured in the Idea Index please contact BFI for more information.

Commenting Policy
The comment feature of the Idea Index is meant to allow site visitors, including Challenge applicants, to provide constructive helpful comments. We encourage criticism if the intention is to help the project team improve their idea, but we will not tolerate mean-spirited, negative comments and we reserve the right to delete any comments that demean an entry or individual.