How to Become an Inventor: A Comprehensive Guide

Many people dream of becoming an inventor, but the path to invention is not always clear. This guide aims to clarify the necessary steps and qualities to become an inventor, drawing inspiration from some of the most innovative and notable inventors throughout history.

Understanding the Inventive Mindset

Firstly, it’s important to understand that while innate creativity and problem-solving skills can help, inventing goes beyond simply having these qualities. Edison famously said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”. This means that while curiosity and lateral thinking are essential, consistent effort and a willingness to experiment are equally crucial.

Aspiring inventors should cultivate a mindset of curiosity, constantly questioning and exploring different possibilities. This involves asking fundamental questions like:

“Why is it done like that?” “Is there a better way?” “There must be an answer already out there.”

Filling your mind with a wide range of knowledge, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), can provide a wealth of tools that can be leveraged to solve real-world problems and innovate.

Thinking Like a Business Analyst

To create something that resonates with the market, it’s crucial to think like a business analyst. Start by identifying your target audience:

Who is my ideal customer? What do I sell to? What does my customer want?

Conduct market research to identify existing products and solutions. This information can help you focus your invention efforts on a need with a clear demand. For instance, if you come up with a novel smartphone design improvement, you need to ensure that there is a solid demand for such an innovation. Inventing something that no one wants is as good as not inventing it.

The Role of Design in Inventing

Inventing is not just about coming up with an idea; it’s also about designing a solution that works in the real world. To invent something, you need to:

Design the functionality and mechanics of your invention. Consider materials and manufacturing cost. Think about scalability and practicality.

Many inventors, including Thomas Edison, started by studying existing technologies and improving upon them. Edison’s invention of the light bulb was an extension of existing designs, improving their performance and practicality. In the same vein, for example, Edison’s electric car was a comprehensive design effort that encompassed both the vehicle and its charging infrastructure, but ultimately did not meet market needs at that time.

Role Models: Famous and Notable Inventors

Studying the successful inventors of the past can provide tremendous inspiration and insights. Here is a list of some notable inventors and their contributions:

Benjamin Franklin: Scientist, printer, philosopher, statesman, politician John von Neumann: Physicist, computer scientist, engineer, mathematician Alexander Graham Bell: Scientist, engineer Rene Leannec: Physician, musician Eli Whitney: Engineer Felix Wankel: Engineer Douglas Engelbart: Engineer Wernher von Braun: Engineer John Wesley Hyatt: Engineer John Philip Holland: Engineer Elisha Otis: Engineer John Loudon McAdam: Civil engineer Charles Goodyear: Engineer, self-taught chemist Robert Fulton: Engineer Charles Babbage: Mathematician, mechanical engineer, philosopher George Stephenson: Civil engineer, mechanical engineer Wilhelm Rontgen: Mechanical engineer, physicist Georges Leclanché: Electrical engineer Vladimir Zworykin: Engineer Charles Stark Draper: Scientist, engineer Ernst Lilienthal: Engineer Guglielmo Marconi: Electrical engineer Edwin Howard Armstrong: Electrical engineer Robert Hutchings Goddard: Engineer, physicist James Watt: Mechanical engineer, chemist Nikola Tesla: Mechanical engineer, electrical engineer Rudolf Diesel: Mechanical engineer, entrepreneur Stephen Kwolek: Chemist Willard Libby: Chemist Alfred Nobel: Chemist, engineer, businessman, philanthropist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek: Microbiologist Jerome Murray Carl Christiaan Huygens: Mathematician, astronomer, physicist Louise Pasteur: Biologist, chemist, microbiologist Frederick Sanger: Chemist Willard Libby: Chemist Alessandro Volta: Physicist and chemist Alfred Nobel: Chemist, engineer, businessman, philanthropist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek: Microbiologist Alfred Nobel: Chemist, engineer, businessman, philanthropist Stephanie Kwolek: Chemist Willard Libby: Chemist Roger Blandford: Astrophysicist

Many of these inventors were versed in STEM fields, which provided them with the necessary tools and knowledge to make groundbreaking contributions. Pursuing a degree in STEM can significantly enhance your chances of becoming an inventor.

The Importance of a STEM Education

In conclusion, if you aspire to become an inventor, consider obtaining a degree in STEM. However, don’t confine your studies to STEM alone. A well-rounded education with a strong foundation in STEM subjects, combined with a keen interest in problem-solving, will set you on a path to innovation. Remember, becoming an inventor is a journey that combines curiosity, persistence, and a critical understanding of the world around you.

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Key Takeaways:

Being an inventor requires a combination of curiosity and scientific knowledge. Understand the market and the needs of your target audience. Study the works of notable inventors to gain inspiration. A STEM education can significantly enhance your inventing capabilities.

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Further Reading:

Invent for Change Resources Become an Inventor Path Innovate USA Guide