The Problem with Playing it Safe
I’ve noticed a concerning pattern this week while reviewing product design solutions. When tasked with “Design a New Product for a Travel Category,” candidates often default to safe, incremental improvements rather than revolutionary concepts.
Example of Conventional Thinking
Consider these typical responses:
- Local Lens: Personal guide connection
- Trip Bunny: Automated itinerary builder
- Travel Buddies Inside: Social recommendations
- Trip Marketplace: Shared itineraries platform
- Map Quest: Road trip focused solution
While functional, these ideas merely scratch the surface of what’s possible.
Breakthrough Innovation Examples
Robotic/AI Solutions
- Family Convoy Bot: Autonomous robot that carries luggage and creates a virtual force field around your family group
- Kid Tracker Butterflies: Tiny flying drones that hover above each child, creating a visible connection to parents
- Smart Family Train: Connected luggage pieces that automatically follow the lead suitcase like a train
- Hover Family Pod: Enclosed floating capsule that transports entire family + luggage through airport
Infrastructure Innovations
- Family Tubes: Dedicated transparent pneumatic tubes for families to slide through airports
- Kid-Speed Walkways: Special moving walkways with games/activities built into the path
- Family Teleport Stations: Dedicated areas to “beam” families directly to their gates
- Underwater Family Tunnels: Aquarium-style passages with sea life to entertain kids during transit
Wearable Tech
- Gravity Belts: Wearable devices that make luggage and children weightless while in airport
- Family Force Field: Wearable tech creating invisible boundary keeping kids within range
- Smart Family Cloaks: Special garments that connect family members and carry luggage
- Magnetic Family Bands: Bracelets that keep family members gently connected via magnetic fields
Luggage Innovations
- Transformer Luggage: Suitcases that convert into strollers/seats/changing stations
- Kid-Carrier Luggage: Suitcases with built-in safe child seating
- Luggage Train: Self-driving suitcases that follow each other in a chain
- Growing Luggage: Expandable bags that grow/shrink based on needs
The Innovation Imperative
Remember: The CIRCLES framework demands pushing beyond conventional boundaries. True innovation means embracing seemingly impossible ideas that could reshape the future of travel. Don’t just solve problems – reimagine the entire experience.
When ideating, ask yourself: “Is this truly groundbreaking, or am I playing it safe?” The difference between good and extraordinary often lies in the courage to propose radical solutions.