Design Lessons for Everyday Inventors (No Hype, All Inspiration.)

Shraddha.golhe
3 min readMar 9, 2024

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Dyson vacuums. Bladeless fans. They’re everywhere these days, turning chores into a breeze (literally, in the case of the fans). But what makes Dyson such a rockstar brand? It’s not just about the fancy features (although, those are pretty darn cool too). It’s about how they design products that are both awesome to use and look like they belong in a spaceship (seriously, have you seen their hair dryers?).
Think Like an Inventor (Even in Your PJs)
Remember that old vacuum cleaner that sounded like a banshee and picked up dirt with the enthusiasm of a sloth after a nap? James Dyson, the founder of Dyson, felt your pain. Instead of just grumbling, he decided to invent something better. That’s the magic of Dyson — they don’t just accept the status quo, they challenge it! Lesson learned: Don’t be afraid to question how things work and imagine ways to make them better. Even if you’re brainstorming in your PJs, that’s where some of the coolest ideas spark!
Make it Work, Make it Wow!
Imagine a fan that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie and keeps you cool without that annoying airplane-engine noise. That’s Dyson again! They understand that a product should be both functional and, well, stunning. It’s like the difference between wearing comfy sweatpants all day (great for lounging, not so great for feeling put-together) and having an outfit that makes you feel confident. Lesson learned: Prioritize making something useful, but don’t forget that a visually appealing design can take your product from “meh” to “marvelous.”
Learnings for Aspiring Inventors (That’s You!)
Feeling inspired by Dyson’s awesomeness? Here are some takeaways to turn you into an invention machine:
Challenge the Usual: Just because something’s been done a certain way forever doesn’t mean it’s the best way. Think about how you can improve things!
Tech for Good: Imagine a juicer that doesn’t splatter juice all over your kitchen — that’s the kind of problem-solving tech to aim for. Use new tech to create solutions!
Easy Does It: No matter how cool your invention looks, if it’s a pain to use, it’ll end up forgotten in a corner. Design things that are clear and simple.
Think Outside the Box: Don’t be afraid to get wild with your ideas! Sometimes the coolest inventions come from breaking away from the expected.

Dyson’s story is a reminder that when we combine awesome design with how things actually work, we can create products that not only make our lives easier but also add a touch of excitement. So next time you see a Dyson, think about the inventor who dared to be different. Maybe it will spark your next big idea, the one that takes the world by storm (and maybe even looks super cool while doing it). Now get out there and invent something amazing!

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Shraddha.golhe

a digital product designer and a football player. I love taking ideas and turning them into products, systems and experiences. It’s been amazing so far!