Invention

What is Invention?

• Invention is the process of discovering a principle which allows a technical advance in a particular field that results in a new or novel product.
• An invention shouldn't be confused with an innovation, which is an invention that has been diffused into the market.

Drivers for Invention

• There are several drivers that cause people to put in the effort to invent something new.

Desire to Make Money

• Innovative and creative ideas are at the heart
  of most successful businesses, but is it the main or sole objective of the inventor to make money?
• For products and systems to develop further iterations to evolve, the financial return will fund the research and development work to enable the designer to increase the amount of new inventions and innovations.

Desire to Help Others

• It is a natural human desire to help other people, due to our social nature.
• The feeling of belonging and purpose caused by the pursuit in helping others can be a significant motivator.

Example

TU Delft and Royal Gazelle have developed a prototype of a bicycle with smart steering support. This bicycle should help prevent the number of falls in the future. The bicycle works with a smart motor in the steering column that supports steering when the cyclist is in danger of falling.

Expressing Creativity, Personal Interest

• Some designs can be made to express one's creativity or own personal interests.

Scientific or Technical Curiosity

• The pursuit of scientific or technical knowledge can lead to the creation of an invention through the discovery of a new principle.

Example

Alexander Graham Bell Bell became curious to know about signals, and the telephone prototype was born in 1876. His scientific curiosity led him to creating the photo phone, improved versions of phonograph, and even his own flying machine.

Constructive Discontent

• Being discontent about an already-existing design can lead someone to try and improve upon the design, possibly leading to a new innovation.

Example

Dyson was frustrated by the inefficiency of conventional hand dryers. He re-designed the dryer using the air blade strategy to overcome the inefficiency.

Development Through Curiosity

• Inventions are often the result of an individual or group’s curiosity about whether something can be done or a problem can be solved.
• On occasion, inventions are the result of an individual’s curiosity about something other than the product that they finally develop.
• These inventions include microwave ovens, ink-jet printers and Post-it® notes.

Requirements for Invention

• Invention by lone inventors or in collaborative, creative teams is at the forefront of design.
• A designer must use imagination and be firmly grounded in factual and procedural knowledge while remembering the needs and limitations of the end user.
• Designers must not only be creative and innovative, but also understand the concepts that will make a new product viable.