In that world of innovation and creation, there are countless products that flourished from the creative thoughts of creators.
Here’s a look at some of the famous and some lesser known examples of products that are clearly the result of creativity. We start with the famous ones:
1. Post-it notes
In 1968, 3M scientist Spencer Silver tried to develop a super-strong adhesive but instead ended up with something completely different – a weak, pressure-sensitive adhesive that was reusable. Art Fry, a colleague, used this glue to create Post-it notes, which are now indispensable to people all over the world.
2. Apple’s iPod
The iPod was a revolutionary product that changed the way we experience music. The idea was born out of Steve Jobs’ frustration with the size and complexity of existing MP3 players. Jobs wanted a device that was minimalistic, user-friendly and compact. Together with his team of designers and engineers, he managed to transform his vision into reality.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb is a platform that enables people to rent out their homes to travelers. Founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia came up with this idea when they were struggling to pay their rent in San Francisco. They started by renting out air mattresses in their own living room to attendees at a design conference, paving the way for the creation of Airbnb.
4. Tesla’s electric cars
Elon Musk founded Tesla with the vision of creating a sustainable future. He was inspired by a conversation at PayPal where he discovered that electric cars could outperform gasoline-powered cars on all fronts.
5. Spanx
Sara Blakely created Spanx, a popular brand of shapewear, after trying to solve the problem of visible panty lines. By cutting off the feet of a pair of tights, she created a more flexible silhouette and the idea for Spanx was born.
These examples are just a few when it comes to products born from creativity. Many of the things we use daily were created by people who had a dream and the courage to follow it.
But let’s also take some lesser-known ideas that also have their origins in creativity:
6. Post-it Extreme Notes
These weather-resistant sticky notes were born when a 3M engineer realized the use of regular Post-it notes by construction workers in harsh outdoor conditions.
7. SlapLit LED Bracelet
Inspired by the 90s sleep bracelet, Nite Ize added an LED light to this bracelet to make it a practical safety tool for runners, hikers and cyclists.
8. Squatty Potty
This stool elevates your feet during your toilet visit, promoting a healthier and more efficient bowel movement. The idea came from a family in Utah who were looking for a natural solution to their digestive problems.
9. Aeropress coffee maker
Aeropress is a unique coffee maker that uses air pressure to create a smooth and rich cup of coffee. It was invented by Alan Adler, an engineering instructor at Stanford University who wanted to improve the taste of his coffee.
10. J-Pillow
This travel pillow in the shape of a “J” supports your head and neck in a unique way. Created by a former flight attendant who was tired of uncomfortable travel pillows, it has since become a favorite among travelers.
These examples show that creativity is a force that can transform everyday challenges into breakthrough solutions and create products that enrich our lives in unexpected ways. It’s proof that when we open our minds to possibilities, we can shape the future with our own ideas and sparks of creativity. What’s your next idea?
