It’s really amazing how many inventions came about by “accident.” When something unexpected happens, it’s important to be aware of the potential business opportunity.
Here are 10 examples:
(1) Microwave Oven
A melted candy bar in his pocket led Raytheon researcher Percy Le Baron Spencer to the conclusion that microwaves (short radio waves) could be used to heat other food.
(2) Artificial Sweeteners
Noticing that his fingers tasted sweet led a John Hopkins University student working on food preservatives to figure out the formula for saccharin. Sucaryl was discovered by another chemistry researcher, trying to find a drug to kill bacteria, at the University of Illinois.
(3) Penicillin
An experiment concerning staphylococci bacteria was left near an open window and became contaminated with mold. Rather than discard the spoiled experiment, Alexander Fleming re-examined it under a microscope. He observed a clear area around the mold and concluded that the deadly staphylococci were being eliminated by the mold. This led to the discovery of penicillin.
(4) Velcro
Cockleburs that stuck to the clothes of George de Mestral in 1948 inspired the invention of Velcro. Recognizing that the cockleburs were really tiny hooks, he saw the potential for a new type of hook and loop fastener.
(5) Levi’s
Gold miners complaining about the need for durable pants during the gold rush of 1853 led Levi Straus to adapt his plan -- from using canvas for tents -- to making heavy-duty pants.
(6) Scotchgard
An accidental spill (of fluorochemicals related to aircrafts) on a researcher’s tennis shoe in a 3M laboratory -- led to the creation of Scotchgard -- when it was observed that the area of the spill stayed clean.
(7) Safety glass
The glass of a dropped flask shattered but the broken pieces held together because the flask had previously held cellulose nitrate (evaporated liquid plastic). After reading about the many injuries resulting from broken windshields, Chemist Edouard Benedictus recognized a practical application for his nitro-cellulose-coated glass.
(8) Aspirin
Re-examining a formula that had lain dormant for over forty years (because it was deemed impractical by French Chemist Charles Gerhardt) led to the popular pain reliever aspirin.
(9) Ivory Soap
A production accident, leaving a machine running during lunchtime, allowed air to be worked into the soap mixture, resulting in “floating” soap, a popular and unique feature.
(10) Post-it Notes
Post-it notes resulted from a failed glue project at 3M. It was discovered by accident that the weak adhesive could be used on paper scraps which could mark places in a book without falling out and then be easily removed.
In conclusion, we really can learn (and profit) from our mistakes if we keep an open mind to the potential applications when something unexpected happens.
As you go about your daily work, remember to:
Pay attention to unexpected lab results.
Examples include: Microwave Oven, Artificial Sweeteners, Penicillin and Scotchgard.
Adapt to the changing customer demand.
Example: Levi’s.
Recognize the potential for a new product or feature.
Examples include: Velcro, Safety glass, Ivory Soap and Post-it Notes.
.
Take a look at previously discarded work.
Example: Aspirin.
Whether by luck or serendipity, each of these products resulted from an unintended event that was leveraged in a new direction.
Jean D. Sifleet, Esq., CPA
Business Attorney
120 South Meadow Road
Clinton, MA 01510 USA
t. 978-368-6104
f. 978-368-6105
c.508-361-0916
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Jean Sifleet, business attorney, CPA and three-time entrepreneur, is pleased to announce the release of her new book, Advantage “IP”: Profit from Your Great Ideas. Visit the Smartfast Bookstore for details, and to order the book.
