Our Invention Archive is not just a dumping ground for forgotten ideas, but a central element of the research project InventFail.com. We believe that studying technological failures is just as important as studying successes. Here you will find detailed analyses of the reasons for failures—technical, marketing, economic, cultural. Each entry in the archive is an attempt to learn lessons, find hidden potential, or simply take a new look at the history of innovations. Join us on our journey through the fascinating world of technological errors and unrealized ambitions.
Brief Summary:
Product: YotaPhone Smartphone (1 & 2)
Company: Yota Devices
Country: Russia
Period: 2013-2019
Essence: Smartphone with two screens: a color LCD/AMOLED and a black-and-white E Ink.
An innovative product with a unique concept that received initial recognition but failed commercially due to high price, competition, and difficulties in market penetration. The developer company went bankrupt.
Product: Google Glass (Explorer Edition)
Company: Google
Country: USA
Period: ~2012-2015 (consumer version)
Essence: Wearable computer in the form of glasses with a HUD, camera, and voice control.
An innovative gadget that failed in the consumer market due to privacy concerns, social acceptance issues, price, functionality, and design. Refocused on the corporate segment.
Summary:
Invention/Project: VVA-14 (Vertical Takeoff Amphibious Aircraft / Ground Effect Vehicle)
Designer: Robert Ludvigovich Bartini
Country: USSR
Development period: 1960s - 1970s (test flights from 1972)
Concept: Experimental aircraft combining functions of conventional airplane, amphibious vehicle, VTOL aircraft, and ground effect vehicle.
An exceptionally ambitious and futuristic project that was never fully realized due to technical challenges (missing critical engines), integration difficulties between flight modes, and termination after the designer's death. A prime example of technological "overreach".