Remember that in-depth domain knowledge can often "blind" inventors to the true value of their innovation. Let's look at an example and they don't come any more famous (or infamous) than the telephone.
The diagram to the left was produced by Elisha Gray, a professional inventor, in February 11 1876. Elisha Gray discussed the idea with his peers and investors, but the conclusion seemed to be that it was “nothing more than a toy”. At the time, Gray was exploring solutions that would enable more than one set of telegraph signals to be sent simultaneously across a single pair of wires. The solution relied on using tuning forks to produce an electric current and led to a technique known as "harmonic telegraphy". In due course, the concept of the telephone was an extension of this idea. However, following the advice of his investors, Gray shelved the idea and concentrated on improvements to the telegraph.
The next diagram was produced by Alexander Graham Bell, a school teacher, it is dated March 9 1876. It would appear to post date Elisha Gray's work.
In a last minute dash to the Patent office, history would have it that Bell got there first. However, there is significant controversy around the details, but most of it is fuelled by the fact that the two diagrams look similar even though they are said to have been developed independently. If you want to find out more, try starting here on Wikipedia.
Whatever the truth, the fact remains - Elisha Gray, a professional inventor, failed to recognise the value of his invention.
In a last minute dash to the Patent office, history would have it that Bell got there first. However, there is significant controversy around the details, but most of it is fuelled by the fact that the two diagrams look similar even though they are said to have been developed independently. If you want to find out more, try starting here on Wikipedia.Whatever the truth, the fact remains - Elisha Gray, a professional inventor, failed to recognise the value of his invention.
The more you read about Elisha Gray and his invention, the more you have to wonder about why he didn't spot the value in what he invented. But this isn't an isolated incident. It happens all to frequently that the "great new idea" ends up being used for something other than it's original purpose - often, completely missed by the original inventor.
So, if you were Elisha Gray, would you have seen the value in the telephone? Would you to miss the obvious?
Try this. Watch this video and see if you change your mind. I bet it will make you think twice!
You will find the video here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=voAntzB7EwE
