Explore 10 cases where failures turned into successful innovations that made a global impact.
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In the realm of innovation, failure is often seen as a villain. However, if we examine the stories of the leading experts on the world's most significant successful innovations after failure, we discover that failure is more like an invaluable mentor.
The reality is that many successful innovations that were born failures arose not from unbridled successes, but from setbacks that prompted reflection, creativity, transformation and strategy development.
Let's explore ten of these successful innovations after failures and discover the insights hidden in their trajectories.
The history of Post-it notes Post-it begins with a failed adhesive. In 1968, Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3Ma U.S.-based multi-product manufacturer, wanted to develop a super-strong adhesive for aerospace applications. Instead, he created a weak adhesive that would stick to surfaces but could be easily removed. For five years, Silver tried to find a market for his "failed" product until a colleague, Art Fry, realized its potential. Fry needed a marker that would not damage the pages of his hymnal, and he saw that the weak adhesive was perfect for creating notes that would adhere without tearing.
Key learning: Share your failures! More perspectives can give you the answer to move forward and challenge yourself in developing out-of-the-box solutions.
In the path of product development and innovation, we can take advantage of and extract maximum benefits from failures as methods of continuous learning.
The invention of the microwave oven is a classic tale of unintended consequences. Percy Spencer, an engineer at Raytheonwas working on developing equipment with radar technology when he noticed that a candy bar in his pocket melted while in close proximity to a magneton. Intrigued, he experimented with other foods, discovering that they cooked quickly when exposed to microwaves. What began as an accident and the sad loss of a dessert led to the development of the first microwave oven in 1947, and the development of millions of units worldwide.
Key learning: When you have a negative surprise, focus on what you can learn instead of getting upset because things didn't go the way you wanted. Also, candy bars are your friend.
Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the light bulb, but what many don't realize is that he failed thousands of times before finally finding a successful filament.
Each failed attempt taught him valuable lessons about materials and design. Instead of viewing these failures as setbacks, Edison said, "I have not failed. I have simply found 10,000 ways that don't work."
Key learning: That guy was stubborn. All kidding aside, persistence in the face of failure is crucial. Every setback is a stepping stone to eventual success, often in unexpected ways.
In 1928, Alexander Fleming returned to his laboratory after a vacation to find that a Petri dish containing Staphylococcus bacteria had been contaminated with mold. Surprisingly, the bacteria around the mold were dead.
Instead of discarding the plaque, Fleming recognized the mold (later identified as Penicillium notatum) as a potential source of a powerful antibiotic. This serendipitous moment led to the development of products in medicine, specifically the development of penicillin, which has saved countless lives and treated infectious diseases around the world.
Key learning: Be stoic. Live in the present so you can see and analyze what is actually happening, rather than focusing only on your expectations. Also, take vacations.
In 1903, French chemist Édouard Bénédictus accidentally dropped a glass flask coated with a plastic film.
Instead of shattering, the glass cracked but remained intact. This moment led Benedictus to realize that adding a layer of plastic could prevent the glass from shattering into dangerous fragments.
The Bénédictus accident ultimately resulted in the creation of safety glass, a crucial innovation for automobiles and buildings, protecting millions of people worldwide.
Key learning: Plastic in glass didn't sound very interesting, but don't rush it. Give ideas time to mature, so you and your colleagues can think of possible uses.
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger initially launched Burbn, a location-based social app, which failed to gain traction.
Recognizing the problems, they shifted the focus to the photo sharing aspect, eliminating unnecessary features. This refined vision led to the birth of Instagram, which has since become a mainstay in social media, as well as my go-to source for cute dog photos.
Key learning: Don't be afraid to pivot. Keep it simple. Sometimes a sharp focus on what really matters can lead to unexpected success.
Swiss engineer George de Mestral invented Velcro after a frustrating experience with thistles sticking to his dog's coat.
Analyzing thistles under a microscope, he observed how they adhered to fabric and hair. This revelation inspired him to create the hook-and-loop fastening system we now know as Velcro.
Its initial struggle with those pesky thistles turned into a product widely used in various industries.
Key learning: Nature often holds the answers to our challenges. Your greatest enemy can become your greatest ally. What bothers you is trying to teach you something.
Richard James, a marine engineer, was working on a tension spring when he accidentally knocked it off a shelf. To his surprise, it "walked" gracefully down a series of steps.
What started as a mistake became the iconic Slinky toy, which has entertained children for generations and sold millions of dollars worldwide.
Key learning: Embrace the playful side of innovation. Focus on your sense of wonder. You don't need to cure cancer. You can be useful by focusing on joy and fun.
In 1942, chemist Harry Coover was trying to create a clear plastic for gun sights when he accidentally developed cyanoacrylate, a substance that bonded materials instantly.
Initially considered a failure, this adhesive was later recognized for its potential in a variety of applications. Today, it is known as Super Glue, a staple in homes and industries around the world.
Key learning: A failure today can become a valuable resource tomorrow. Keep an open mind to the possibilities of your setbacks.
Ruth Wakefield was making chocolate cookies when she ran out of cooking chocolate. Instead, she chopped up a bar of semi-sweet chocolate, waiting for it to melt.
To his surprise, the chocolate kept its shape, and the chocolate chip cookie was born. This delicious accident has since become a beloved delicacy around the world.
Key learning: Creativity often arises when we deviate from the expected path. It is open to combinations that are out of the ordinary.
As we have seen through these ten successful innovations after failure, failure is not a dead end, but a vital component of the innovation process. Every setback contains the potential for growth, reflection and reinvention. In our quest for success, let's remember to embrace failure as a necessary step in the journey.
When we see failure not as a reflection of our value but as an opportunity to learn and adapt, we create an environment where creativity flourishes. It is this blend of resilience and vulnerability that drives true innovation.
So, the next time you encounter a setback, take a moment to reflect. You could be right on the threshold of your next big breakthrough.
Painful as they are, let us embrace our failures. For they are stepping stones to our most significant achievements, and a reminder that continuous learning can emerge from even the most challenging moments.
Edited by
Karla Ferreira
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Let's transform our perception of failure and use it as a catalyst for growth.
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