I’m always harping on about the need to change and reinvent the products you provide…

And the fact that you don’t have to invent completely new products and solve a completely new problem, it can be a simple change to an existing product which improves the experience.

Sir James Dyson invented a new vacuum cleaner design. Note, he didn’t invent the vacuum.

But did you know this wasn’t the first time he’s reinvented an existing product to make it easier and more efficient?

Years earlier when renovating their family home in the Cotswolds, Dyson found a wheel-barrow inefficient and really hard work to handle. So, he set to work on making a better version of this product. Eventually launching the ball-barrow.

The ball-barrow had a ball instead of a wheel, and the design allowed most of the barrow contents weight to be taken by the ball, making it feel much lighter, stable, and easier to control.

This re-design wasn’t about creating a cheaper price, as the ball-barrow is around 50% more expensive than the equivalent wheelbarrow.

Price wasn’t the aim. It was about lifestyle. Helping people move heavier loads efficiently around their garden, without hurting their back, shoulders and arms was his intention.

Unfortunately for Dyson, things didn’t work out as planned. Although the ball-barrow was successful he lost control of the business to outside investors, and it was sold against his wishes.

Dyson learned a harsh lesson, but he continued with the ball-wheel concept in his future design for the trolley-ball boat launcher in 1978, and as part of his vacuum cleaner range.

Like Dyson, we’re continually evolving our products, and our aim is to make office technology affordable to all, with everything included for a guaranteed fixed price, with no strings attached.

…Dyson has built an empire on improving existing products, maybe we can all learn for him?