When trying to come up with a great idea, I find that my most outlandish concepts are those based in pure flights of fancy rather than in the more humdrum realm of reality. It may be fun to daydream about cars that drive themselves, but clearly that sort of innovation will require teams of engineers and years (if not decades) of R&D to be realized. And even if the lead time to bring an idea to life isn’t drawn out and expensive, it is well known that people are creatures of habit and that getting us to do new things is very difficult. Instead I find it is more useful to evaluate the ways in which we go about our daily lives and look for opportunities to simplify or enhance actions we already take. Ketchup in a squeeze bottle? Brilliant!
My proposed “Million Dollar” idea is the result of taking this sort of practical approach. Over the years I have witnessed some pretty pathetic moments as shivering smokers brave the elements while feeding their habit in those tiny holding areas in the alleys and breezeways outside smoke-free buildings, huddled together for warmth and emotional support. (I hate to admit it, but I know this from personal experience.) But nothing beats the contorted poses they are forced into when trying to smoke through a barely-cracked car window during a rain storm. It’s a truly sad display of the power of nicotine. And though I think my idea of a steering wheel that can be recessed into the dash to make theft all but impossible is pretty cool, this ashtray thing is probably quite a bit more feasible, dontcha think?
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