Invention
Definition
Invention
Invention is the process of discovering a principle that leads to a technical advance and results in a novel product.
- People invent things for different reasons.
- Sometimes it's for fun, sometimes to fix a problem, and sometimes to make money.
- Let’s break it down.
Creativity and Personal Interest
- Some inventors just love to create.
- They enjoy coming up with new things simply because they find it exciting.
- We made RevisionDojo because it was fun :)
- Theo Jansen designed giant wind-powered "beasts" that walk on beaches. They don’t solve a problem—they just look cool and move in a fascinating way.
- Think of a kid who enjoys building Lego robots, not because they need to, but because they love creating.
Fixing a Problem ("Constructive Discontent")
Sometimes, inventions happen because people are frustrated with how things currently work.
Example- James Dyson was annoyed that normal wheelbarrows kept sinking in the mud, so he invented a better one—the Dyson Ballbarrow.
- If you've ever struggled to open a bag of chips and thought, "There must be a better way!"—that’s the same idea.
Curiosity ("Is This Even Possible?")
Scientists and engineers sometimes invent things just to see if they can.
Example- Lasers were originally created for research, but now they’re used in barcode scanners, surgeries, and even measuring distances.
- Imagine wondering, "Can I make a pen that never runs out of ink?" That kind of curiosity leads to new inventions.
Making Money
- Some inventions are about business.
- If an idea can make money, companies will invest in it.
- Gillette made disposable razors because they realized people would keep buying new blades.
- Think about subscription services like Netflix or Spotify. Instead of buying movies or music, people pay monthly—this was a business invention!
Helping Others
Some inventors want to make the world a better place.
Example- Engineers created plastic bottle light bulbs for homes without electricity.
- They filled bottles with water, put them in roofs, and used sunlight to brighten dark rooms.
- Wheelchairs, hearing aids, and even Braille were all inventions designed to help people.
