Every world-changing invention starts with a spark of curiosity, and occasionally, a delightful dose of madness. From bizarre beginnings to brilliant breakthroughs, here’s a look at some weird ideas that turned out to be absolutely wonderful.
The microwave
In 1945, engineer Percy Spencer noticed a chocolate bar melting in his pocket while working on radar equipment. That unexpected moment led to the invention of the microwave oven, which changed the way we heat up leftovers forever. (Thanks, science!)
Post-it notes
In 1968, scientist Dr. Spencer Silver created a glue that didn’t really stick. Years later, his colleague Art Fry used that ‘failed’ adhesive to mark pages in his hymnal. The result? Every office’s best friend: The post-it note!
The pacemaker
In 1956, engineer Wilson Greatbatch accidentally installed the wrong resistor into a circuit. The result was an electrical pulse that mimicked a heartbeat and gave rise to the life-saving pacemaker. Talk about a happy mistake!
Velcro
During a 1941 walk in the woods, Swiss engineer George de Mestral noticed burrs sticking stubbornly to his dog’s fur. A closer look under the microscope revealed tiny hooks, which eventually inspired the invention of Velcro.
Nature: 1. Fussing with buttons: 0.
The Slinky
In 1943, mechanical engineer Richard James knocked a tension spring off a shelf… And watched it gracefully ‘walk’ down. That moment gave the world the Slinky, a toy that proved not all great ideas need to be serious.
Penicillin
Returning from a holiday in 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered that mould had taken over his petri dishes, and killed the surrounding bacteria. That accidental discovery would go on to become penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic. (Hey, sometimes, it pays to be messy!)
The takeaway
Innovation doesn’t always wear a lab coat. Sometimes it shows up in sticky notes, mouldy dishes… Or even a car insurance policy that breaks all the rules.
At King Price, we didn’t just tweak traditional car insurance… We flipped it on its head. Our car insurance premiums that decrease monthly was a wonderfully weird idea that just made sense. Because, as your car loses value over time, why shouldn’t you pay less to insure it?
What started as a ‘what if’ is now saving our clients thousands. And honestly? That’s our kind of magic.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Get a commitment-free quote or WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50 today. We’re eager to assist!
FAQs
What are some examples of accidental inventions?
The microwave, post-it notes, the pacemaker, Velcro, and even penicillin were all discovered by chance, yet went on to change the world.
Why do King Price’s comprehensive car insurance premiums decrease monthly?
Because your car’s value decreases as time goes on, King Price believes it’s only fair and logical for you to pay less to insure it every month!
Are all inventions based on serious research?
Nope! Many world-changing ideas started as errors, accidents, or side projects… Then became iconic with a little creativity.
Can fun or quirky inventions be impactful?
Absolutely! Think of the Slinky… Born from a falling spring, and now a timeless toy. Some of the most playful ideas have had a lasting impact on the world.
What makes a ‘failed’ idea valuable?
A so-called failure can reveal unexpected benefits. With the right mindset, even a flop (like non-sticky glue) can become something brilliant… Like the famous post-it note!