Innovation often appears as a product of design and planning, but history shows us that chance, mistakes, and adaptive thinking are equally vital drivers of progress. In this post, I will explore three concepts that challenge the traditional narrative of innovation—serendipity, error, and exaptation—by defining them in my own words and sharing real-world examples that reflect their significance. Each concept has shaped the trajectory of technological and scientific breakthroughs, often in surprising ways.
Serendipity
To me, serendipity means discovering something unexpectedly beneficial while searching for something unrelated. It requires awareness, curiosity, and the wisdom to recognize value in the unplanned. Scholars describe serendipity as the capacity to identify unforeseen discoveries while pursuing other goals (Merton & Barber, 2004).
A lesser-known example is the invention of the synthetic dye mauveine by William Perkin in 1856. Perkin was a teenager attempting to synthesize quinine to treat malaria. Instead, he ended up with a purplish residue that dyed silk beautifully and permanently. This accidental discovery launched the synthetic dye industry and transformed both chemistry and fashion (Travis, 1993). Perkin’s story highlights how being alert to the unexpected can spark entire industries.
Error
In my view, an error in the context of innovation refers to a deviation from a plan or intended result that unintentionally leads to a better outcome. Scholars like Petroski (2006) argue that errors are foundational to the process of innovation, as they reveal flaws and open the door to new directions.
A fascinating example is the development of the pacemaker. Engineer Wilson Greatbatch mistakenly installed the wrong transistor in a heart recording device, causing it to emit regular electrical pulses. Realizing the potential to regulate heartbeat rhythm, he refined it into the first implantable pacemaker (Petroski, 2006). This mistake gave rise to a life-saving medical breakthrough. Rather than scrapping the error, Greatbatch leaned into it—a powerful reminder of how error fuels discovery.
Exaptation
I understand exaptation as taking an existing idea or invention and applying it to an entirely different purpose than originally intended. This requires imaginative thinking and a shift in how value is perceived. In scholarly terms, exaptation is defined as the repurposing of features for functions other than those they were originally developed for (Gould & Vrba, 1982).
An innovative case of exaptation is the use of PlayStation 3 (PS3) consoles in scientific research. In 2007, the U.S. Air Force connected over 1,700 PS3 units to create a supercomputer for processing radar and satellite imagery. The PS3’s Cell processor offered high-performance computing at a fraction of traditional costs (Zyga, 2010). Originally built for gaming, the PS3 became a tool for military-level analytics—proving that reimagining purpose can lead to powerful results.
Summary
Innovation is not confined to structured labs or boardroom strategies. Serendipity, error, and exaptation remind us that curiosity, flexibility, and openness to the unexpected are just as important. Whether it’s discovering a synthetic dye, inventing a pacemaker by mistake, or turning game consoles into military tools, these forces push boundaries and reveal the hidden potential of the unplanned. Recognizing them enriches our understanding of how progress truly unfolds.
References
Gould, S. J., & Vrba, E. S. (1982). Exaptation—a missing term in the science of form. Paleobiology, 8(1), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0094837300004310
Merton, R. K., & Barber, E. (2004). The travels and adventures of serendipity: A study in sociological semantics and the sociology of science. Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11577-005-0117-5
Petroski, H. (2006). Success through failure: The paradox of design. Princeton University Press. https://coloradotech.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/success-through-failure-paradox-design/docview/225751066/se-2?accountid=144789
Travis, A. S. (1993). The rainbow-makers: The origins of the synthetic dyestuffs industry in Western Europe. Lehigh University Press. https://research-ebsco-com.coloradotech.idm.oclc.org/c/jvebsb/viewer/pdf/4pr5aofqmz?route=details
Zyga, L. (2010). US Air Force connects 1,760 PlayStation 3’s to build supercomputer. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2010-12-air-playstation-3s-supercomputer.html#google_vignette
No comments:
Post a Comment