When Great Ideas Meet Silicon Bay: The Invention Experience
Have you ever had that moment when you thought you invented something only to see someone else bring it to life? It can be incredibly frustrating but also a common experience for inventors. This article explores personal stories of invented ideas that were either built or overshadowed by others, offering valuable insights for anyone on a similar journey.
Experiencing Disappointment and Validation
Inventing something only to see someone else bring it to market can be a deeply disappointing experience. However, it's important to stay resilient and not let this discourage you. Here’s a personal story: not long ago, I designed a simple flapper valve that would fit on the overflow pipe of a rainwater cistern to prevent mosquito breeding. I was eager to move ahead with the materials, but after conducting a quick Google search, I realized someone else had already created it and was selling it online. Though the product was only a few dollars, the shipping cost to my home in the Caribbean was over 200 dollars. After extensive searching, I finally found a dealer in California who charged me around 15 dollars for shipping. This experience highlights the importance of thorough research before launching an idea.
The Art of Persistence
About 15 years ago, I had a more complex idea—a one-wheeled skateboard. I built it using a wheelbarrow wheel, and it was a total failure. Over the next few years, I kept thinking about the concept. A couple of years ago, my son showed me a video of an 'Onewheel' board, which included an electric motor and a balancing system like a Segway. The improvement was remarkable, and I felt a mix of pride and regret for not pursuing my idea further. Despite not being able to ride it, the 'Onewheel' board was a testament to the potential of my original concept.
Since Innovators Are Often Grounded in Reality
Personal inventions do not always translate into commercial success. As an engineer, I've invented digital radio reactive armor and numerous other things, but someone else had already invented them before me. It's a reality that innovators, in their pursuit of perfection, often forget. Another example of this is the popular drink flavoring drops, Mio. Though Mio brought the product to the market, I believe I had the idea first. I'm content that it’s market presence validates my initial thought. Shipping water as a product also reflects poorly on shipping costs, which can echo in innovations across various industries.
Advice for Aspiring Inventors
If you find yourself in the same frustrating situation, never give up. Keep refining and improving upon your ideas. Document your progress and share your experiences on platforms such as Quora. My Quora Profile is filled with valuable insights and support, and I encourage you to explore it for guidance and inspiration. Remember, innovation is a collective effort, and every idea, no matter how small, can make a difference.
As you navigate the challenges of product development, stay resilient and persistent. Just because you didn’t see your idea on the market first doesn’t mean it's worthless. It could just mean there was a better implementation. Keep iterating, pursuing new opportunities, and contributing to the collective effort of innovation.