Irrelevant innovation: our summary

Key Takeaway

Innovation isn’t always about serious and practical advancements; sometimes, exploring the edges of what might seem irrelevant or absurd can lead to valuable insights and unexpected breakthroughs.

Summary

Introduction to Irrelevant Innovation:
- The author reflects on the challenge of motivating a child to return to school after spring break and how brainstorming wild inventions helped.
- Raises the question of whether “irrelevant innovation” should be considered and explores its potential value.
Typology of Irrelevant Innovation:
1. WTF?!!!:
  - Ideas that seem absurd or impractical at first glance.
  - Examples include cheese-flavored cigarettes and the urban window baby cage.
2. Bouncing back off the wall:
  - Initially crazy ideas that gain momentum and user communities, such as pet rocks or selfie toasters.
3. Following the Yellow Brick Road:
  - Innovations that build on established trajectories but lead to unexpected and irrelevant outcomes, like over-packaging.
4. On second thoughts…:
  - Innovations that initially seem unnecessary but may have hidden value upon reframing, such as the floor cleaning onesie.
5. String and sealing wax creations:
  - User-generated innovations born out of necessity or frustration, often leading to mainstream adoption.
6. Seemed like a good idea at the time…:
  - Innovations that fail due to misjudgment or unrealistic expectations, like Gerber’s adult baby food.
7. Wrong place, wrong time:
  - Innovations that arrive when market conditions or technology readiness don’t support them, exemplified by the Bristol Brabazon aircraft.
8. Coming too early to the party:
  - Innovations ahead of their time, like Apple’s Newton or Google Glass, which pave the way for future success.
9. Blind spots:
  - Innovations that suffer due to cultural or linguistic misunderstandings, highlighting the importance of context and compatibility.
Reflections on Innovation:
- Creativity is a powerful driver, even in seemingly trivial situations.
- Emphasizes the importance of “stepping stones” in creativity and innovation.
- Advocates for responsible innovation, considering both intended and unintended consequences.
- Acknowledges the need to adapt frames of thinking and behavior to accommodate innovation, even when it seems implausible initially.