Made famous by the "Back to the Future" film series, the hoverboard was an out-of-this-world product for personal transportation. This pop culture icon was genius in its thinking, hovering straight over cracks or grass on a cushion of air. And while we don't have hoverboards in our garages like the one used in Back to the Future II (1989), we have other methods of personal transportation that now exist with the same creativity in mind.
Product design is a fascinating world of creation, as some grow to become worldwide trends in fashion while others save lives. Today, we will discuss the idea of product design and viability. Get creative with us as we discuss some of the most innovative inventions of the 21st century and explain the delicate balance between a dream product and its real-life counterpart.
Product Design is Where Dreams Meet Reality
Every ah-ha invention is born from a thought. Whether it is a new design for a pencil sharpener or an airplane that uses Helium as fuel, all new ideas for products start from a thought. The hoverboard may have only been a reality in Michael J Fox’s 1989 film. But the 35-year-old idea sparked ideas in those who saw the film, seeking to create one for themselves or explore science-fiction technology. Nowadays, we are not too far from the original product displayed in the "Back to the Future" trilogy.
Maglev technology is used on public transport trains to bring cities closer together, massively cutting down transit times. The modern-day hoverboard does not levitate like its science-fiction counterpart. Rather, it moves under the rider's feet as they shift weight along sensors on the riding platform. The creativity behind an idea can run endless, sometimes inspiring other technologies and products. But creativity alone cannot bring a market into consumer hands; it cannot come to market without a sense of realism.
Reality is where many creative ideas meet their end. Factors such as lack of funding, unfeasible design, and other issues determine whether an inventor's dream becomes a reality. Without a realistic plan for production and funding, a product will likely fail before it reaches consumers.
An innovative Google product experienced its downfall due to some functionality and moral constraints in 2015. Google Glass is a wearable technology with an optical display designed in the shape of a pair of eyeglasses. This technology allowed users to take photos, record videos, and access apps through voice commands and a small display in front of their eyes. However, privacy concerns and an inaccessible purchase price, among other concerns, led to an early cutoff for the product. Estimates are around 10,000-20,000 units sold throughout its time in stores.
Despite the Failures, Dream Big
Even though many ideas end up in the dream graveyard, success stories emerge every day. One dream product that innovated and became a massive hit is the Apple iPhone. Introducing several groundbreaking features, the iPhone revolutionized portable device technology. The iPhone not only achieved massive sales success but also evolved with a generation of kids and young adults, becoming a cultural phenomenon. It started as a single idea and has become a staple in everyday life for hundreds of millions.
If you have a big dream for your device idea, Zewski Corporation can help you bring it to market. Contact us and visit The Zewski Report to see how viable your idea is today!