Illogical Inventions explores the intriguing history of technological failures, examining inventions that, despite good intentions, missed the mark. The book delves into misguided innovations from the Victorian era to the 20th century, revealing how design flaws and a disconnect from real-world needs led to their downfall.
One might be surprised to learn that some inventions failed not due to technical issues, but because they solved problems that didn't exist, or were far more complicated than the original issue. The book approaches these technological failures through detailed case studies organized thematically, grouping inventions by the problems they aimed to solve, such as personal hygiene or transportation.
It analyzes the social and economic factors that influenced these misguided creations, highlighting the perils of "technological solutionism." By examining these "illogical inventions," readers gain an appreciation for the iterative nature of innovation and the value of user-centered design. Ultimately, the book demonstrates that studying failures is just as important as studying successes in understanding technological progress.
