Path 13: Reinventing The Wheel

Resources on the Topic:

The Medici Effect by Franz Johannsen
Stand Alone, Inventor! by Robert G. Merrick
Thomasnet

How many times have you heard the expression "Don't reinvent the wheel"? If you are anything like me, you grew up with teacher after teacher forcing this expression down your throat. The concept was simple, if something has already been done, there is no need to redo it. My message to you, this saying is pure GARBAGE. In reality, many of the greatest inventions of our time have actually been more of a reinvention of great past innovations. One of the greatest means of building wealth is simply to take a past design and make it better.

For starters, let's look at that aforementioned wheel. Not only has it been reinvented multiple times, there are some breakthrough innovations in wheel design that are sitting right on the horizon.
Does that picture open your eyes at all? Just think about it! What started as a solid stone wheel eventually evolved into a solid wood wheel. From there the evolution continued as some inventor realized that the excess bulk of the solid wheel was not only heavy, but provided little extra strength. Thus, the invention of the spoked wheel. While this wheel was better, the next evolution was the great one. By adding a different material around the rim of the wheel, the ride quality was improved and the durability went to another level. Eventually, with the help of Charles Goodyear, the rubber tire was invented and evolved into the low profile, steel belted radial tire we know today. When wrapped around a lightweight, cast aluminum wheel, the resulting combination is good looking, durable, and provides great ride quality.

If that isn't enough to motivate you, check out the following posting on Autoblog. It is for a new concept, an 8 piece wheel that actually TURNS into a corner for you, simulating the effect of a motorcycle leaning into a corner. Isn't that amazing! That little stone wheel evolved into this amazing design.

So now that you are convinced, let's talk about the process. For most people, the difficult part is innovation. Most things that we use on a regular basis seem "ok" so we don't spend a lot of time thinking about improvements. In my opinion, the best path for finding innovation is to constantly read about other innovators. Magazines such as Popular Mechanics or Popular Science are great for providing this innovation. Not only will it keep you up to date on the latest tech, but it should inspire you to dream. Look for ideas that can be cross pollinated. In the example above, the advanced wheel concept was based on motorcycle technology. This is the key to great innovation. Try to create interesting hybrids between fields. For innovations in cars, look to animal communities. For innovations in architecture, look to tech gadgets. For innovations in business, look to tribal societies. Get the idea? For a more detailed discussion of these techniques, The Medici Effect is a great read.

The key to this concept is dream big. Don't think only of tech innovations. Rethink everything, food, drink, toothpaste, toilet paper, furniture, etc. For one final great example, let me present Give Bottled Water. This is not an innovation in terms of product, but rather the marketing method used. There are 4 different bottled water options available. While the water inside each bottle is the same, the difference lies in the label and purpose for each bottle. For each bottle purchased, a donation is made to a certain charity. Each of the 4 bottle styles represents a different cause, ranging from environmental to various diseases. This allows you to not only help a cause, but also portray a positive image. Brilliant, combining charity with bottled water. Who would have thought?

So let this be your kickoff. Dream big. Cross Pollinate. Be Creative. If you do, some great innovation is sure to come. When it does, you can look back on our previous discussion on inventions for methods to bring your ideas to life.

Good luck and Happy Innovating!

Keys to Success:

Be Creative. Enough Said
Always Be on the Lookout. You never know when that great innovation will strike.
Cross Pollinate. The easiest innovations come from simply combining multiple fields.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help. Most of us have friends in a variety of fields. Use them as a resource.