Unintended Products

Unintended Products explores the captivating history of accidental inventions and repurposed technology, revealing how many everyday items began with entirely different purposes. The book highlights how market forces, societal shifts, and serendipity often redirect the course of innovation, leading to unexpected applications far beyond the creators' initial visions. For instance, bubble wrap, now known for packaging, was initially conceived as wallpaper, and Play-Doh started as wallpaper cleaner.

The book argues that repurposing isn't just a quirky phenomenon but a fundamental driver of technological progress. These unexpected applications unlock new markets and create unforeseen benefits. Beginning with an introduction to the core concept of unintended applications, the book progresses through case studies of inventions that failed in their original purpose but found success elsewhere, followed by inventions that were significantly improved through repurposing.

Drawing from patent filings, historical records, and business case studies, Unintended Products examines the dynamic interplay between initial intent and eventual application, showing how the 'life' of an invention extends far beyond its original design. This approach offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, product developers, and anyone curious about the hidden histories behind our technologies.