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:
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Local Lens: Personal guide connection
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Trip Bunny: Automated itinerary builder
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Travel Buddies Inside: Social recommendations
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Trip Marketplace: Shared itineraries platform
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Map Quest: Road trip focused solution
While functional, these ideas merely scratch the surface of what’s possible.
Breakthrough Innovation Examples
Robotic/AI Solutions
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Family Convoy Bot - Autonomous robot that carries luggage and creates a virtual force field around your family group
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Kid Tracker Butterflies - Tiny flying drones that hover above each child, creating a visible connection to parents
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Smart Family Train - Connected luggage pieces that automatically follow the lead suitcase like a train
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Hover Family Pod - Enclosed floating capsule that transports entire family + luggage through airport
Infrastructure Innovations
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Family Tubes - Dedicated transparent pneumatic tubes for families to slide through airports
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Kid-Speed Walkways - Special moving walkways with games/activities built into the path
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Family Teleport Stations - Dedicated areas to “beam” families directly to their gates
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Underwater Family Tunnels - Aquarium-style passages with sea life to entertain kids during transit
Wearable Tech
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Gravity Belts - Wearable devices that make luggage and children weightless while in airport
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Family Force Field - Wearable tech creating invisible boundary keeping kids within range
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Smart Family Cloaks - Special garments that connect family members and carry luggage
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Magnetic Family Bands - Bracelets that keep family members gently connected via magnetic fields
Luggage Innovations
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Transformer Luggage - Suitcases that convert into strollers/seats/changing stations
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Kid-Carrier Luggage - Suitcases with built-in safe child seating
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Luggage Train - Self-driving suitcases that follow each other in a chain
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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.