A new contest held by Motorola called MotoFwrd made John Finan--a Duke University graduate student and finalist--recognized for his concept of the "Mood Phone."

Thousands of people suffer from Asperger's Syndrome: a mild form of autism that impairs one's language and communication skills, as well as repetitive or restrictive behavior. Sometimes it can lead to delays in learning motor skills such as riding a bike or catching a ball. Finan wanted to design a phone that improves one's social interactions. So, he came up with the Mood Phone that lights up in different colors (from reds to blues) based on the verbal patterns of everyday speech received through the handset. The visual colors would enhance communication for people with language and communication impairments.

Motorola may want to hire Finan to help develop the Mood Phone if the company decides to go along with the design! It would certainly make those with the disorder live an easier life, that's for sure.

Here's a PDF link to Finan's project.

Go to Motorola's site to vote for John Finan's Mood Phone as your favorite design concept. The voting period ends tomorrow at 5pm CT.