The failed inventions that somehow changed the world anyways

Written by Shin Huynh

Throughout history, people from all walks of life have created new technology in an attempt to make everyday life easier. However not all of these inventions succeeded and were seen as complete failures, dismissed as impractical or pointless.

However, failure did not always mean the end of an idea. In some cases, it was only the beginning. A product that did not work as intended or an experiment that went wrong could still lead to something far more crucial than originally planned.

Originating from different parts of the world, three particular inventions stood out - inventions that each began as a failure before becoming a success.

Spencer Silver showcasing his product to a colleague (The New york times)

Post-it Notes are found almost everywhere: on desks, in classrooms, stuck to walls or computer screens. They are simple, easy to use, and designed to be removed without leaving a trace. But was this really the purpose its creators had in mind? In 1968, at the 3M laboratories, chemist Spencer Silver attempted to create a strong adhesive. Instead, he produced one so weak that it could barely hold objects together. The invention was seen as a disappointment and had no clear purpose, therefore remaining untouched for years until another scientist found a use for it: applying it to small pieces of paper as bookmarks. What was once considered ineffective would go on to become one of the most widely used office supplies in the world.

Harry Brearly, inventor of Stainless steel (Wikipedia)

In 1913, in Sheffield, England, Harry Brearley was working on a problem that had nothing to do with rust or how to prevent it. Gun barrels at the time wore down quickly, and manufacturers needed a more durable material. Brearley experimented with different metal alloys, hoping to reduce erosion caused by repeated firing. The result did not meet expectations. Nevertheless, the material had an unusual property: It resisted rust. This detail, at first insignificant, would later prove far more functional than the original goal. Stainless steel would eventually be used in everyday items, from utensils to surgical tools, becoming a key material in modern life.

From L-R, Alfred W. Fielding and Marc A. Chavannes. The inventors of bubble wrap. (H.W Fielding.com)

Bubble wrap, came not from a packaging company but from a failed wallpaper experiment in 1957 would lead to something far more practical. Two engineers attempted to create a new type of decorative wall covering by sealing air bubbles between layers of plastic. The idea did not succeed, and the product struggled to find a place in homes. Rather than abandoning it, the material was reconsidered where it was found that its structure made it effective at absorbing impact. The product would later become known worldwide and is now widely used to protect fragile items during transport.

Bibliography:

“Post-it Note.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-it_note.

“Stainless Steel.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel.

“Bubble Film Bags.” Packaging Knowledge, https://packagingknowledge.com/articles/bubble-film-bags/.

“From Invention to Industry: The Journey of Stainless Steel.” MDM Online, https://www.mdmonline.eu/blog/from-invention-to-industry-the-journey-of-stainless-steel/.

“About Us.” Post-it®, https://www.post-it.com/3M/en_US/post-it/contact-us/about-us/.