Why not?
When entrepreneurs think of launching the ‘next big thing’ they often think in terms of creating a ‘revolutionary’ product. Something that will impact people’s lives in a profound way. We aim high with a plan to leverage cutting edge technologies in this new product. And aspire to be the ones who dream up things that never were and say, why not?
Many, if not most, new products that have sparked revolutionary changes in human behavior are based on evolutionary, not revolutionary, advances in technology.
Unmet need
An exciting example of this is the re-purposing of cold gas inflation technology for life-saving products in the extreme sports industry - specifically big wave surfing and big mountain skiing.
The past few winters have brought surfers some of the largest and most consistent big waves at some of the premier surf spots in Hawaii and along the west-coast of the U.S. Mainland. Winter storms have also produced incredible snow skiing conditions and some of the best snowpack along the West Coast and Rockies in years, if not decades. These conditions have allowed big wave surfers and extreme skiers to push the boundary of what was believed to be the limit of what is survivable. How does a human survive being buried by a 60-foot wall of water?
Going over the falls
CREDIT: A. LYTON
Racing an avalanche
CREDIT: T. REPO
Skiers and snowboarders are going out-of-bounds into remote and extreme locations to cut tracks down steep chutes and slopes filled deep with fresh powder. Putting themselves at a risk of being buried by an avalanche.
Surfers, skiers and snowboarders are emboldened to push into the danger zone with increased confidence in their own abilities, better training and emergency preparedness, as well as advances in equipment. This is fueled by the opportunity to finance their passion through self-branding and sponsorships using social media and video posts.
A game-changer for these action sports athletes has been new safety devices that are based on an old technology, cold gas inflatable surf vests and avalanche airbag backpacks. These novel systems are helping surfers, skiers and snowboarders increase their chances of surviving an avalanche of water or snow; conditions and situations that have historically resulted in loss of life.
How it works
These novel systems use a carbon-dioxide cartridge that inflates an interior air bladder with the pull of a rip cord, similar to an airline-passenger life vest.
In the case of surfing, the system is integrated into a vest or wetsuit. In the event that a surfer is caught by a big wave and finds him/herself deep underwater, they pull the rip cord, the bladder inflates, and the surfer quickly rises to the surface. The system is reliable, works well and most big wave surfers have adopted the system for giant surf.
Quicksilver Aqua Lung Vest
CREDIT: QUICKSILVER
Arc'teryx Avalanche System
CREDIT: A. MYERS
Avalanche airbag systems work the same way, in that the skier or snowboarder pulls a ripcord that signals a cold gas cartridge to inflate a bladder. The inflated bladder is substantially larger and it’s this size that helps elevate a person to the top of a moving avalanche.
Both systems are simple, effective and leverage existing technology that is well understood. They solve a problem and address an unmet need through a good understanding of the application, the customer and their needs; and by applying an innovative solution using thoughtful engineering. Most importantly, there was an individual entrepreneur who was audacious enough to take a chance on a new idea.
Evolution beats Revolution
Entrepreneurs don’t have to rely on invention or new technology development to create impactful and successful new products. Invention and technology development is a long process that is fraught with risk. So much so, that NASA developed a Technology Readiness guide and roadmap that describes critical technology maturity milestones that should be met before a technology is ready for product development and commercialization.
Many of the technical challenges that we face when developing a new product have been tackled by others, often within a completely different set of circumstances. Step back, revisit your product development goals and consider the technical challenges that you face, spend time to understand the problem, the application and the use case. Explore the wealth of knowledge that already exists, and then embark on your own revolution.
Aspiring entrepreneurs and product designers should bear in mind that the path to successful product development, commercialization and launch is best started with mature technology. And that the novel design implementation of that technology, plus the creative will and fortitude of an intrepid individual are the key ingredients to success.
Diatomic Product Development is a team of talented engineers, designers and business professionals with years of experience designing, developing and commercializing innovative and exciting new technology-based products.
We can help your team achieve your technical and business goals. LETS TALK