Launched in 2004, the Motorola Razr introduced an ultra-think, metallic clamshell shape that turned a basic communication gadget into a major fashion statement. However, Motorola optimized for design instead of functionality while the market shifte ...
Launched in 1996, the Motorola StarTAC was a clamshell-style mobile phone that weighed 3.1 ounces, the smallest and lightest cell phone up to that point. However, the StarTAC quickly became technology dated as consumers wanted better texting, impro ...
Launched in 2022 after having raised $600 million of funding, a Volocopter was an all-electric, multirotor aircraft designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter. Most models were designed to carry a pilot and two passengers over short ...
Launched to the market in 2020 and discontinued in 2026, the Tesla Solar Roof was innovative because of its design. Instead of placing bulky solar panels on the top of an existing roof, the roof itself was the solar system. It used tempered glass ...
Launched in 1982, the Finger Light was a small battery-powered light worn on a finger to imitate E.T.'s glowing fingertip. However, the toy's shape led to unintended adult associations leading retailers to be unwilling to promote it, while the marke ...
Nike MaxSight were fully tinted soft contact lenses launched in 2005 by Nike and Bausch & Lomb to reduce glare, boost visual contrast, and filter blue light and UV rays for athletes. While some athletes noticed improved contrast, many users fel ...
Launched in 1995, Dragon Flyz toys featured characters attached to mechanical wing packs that could launch and spin high into the air like a helicopter. Each figure attached to a hand-held, dragon-shaped launcher. Many children became frustrated whe ...
Rolodex was a desktop rotary card file used to organize and store names, addresses, and phone numbers. Rolodex is a classic example of technology disruption: it wasn't defeated by a better paper organizer - it was made obsolete by digital technolog ...
Released in 1985 and discontinued in 1987, Garbage Pail Kids trading cards mocked the wholesome Cabbage Patch Kids dolls by featuring crude humor, comic deformaties, and pun-based names. Because of the gross humor and shock value, many elementary sc ...
Launched in 1990 by Eastman Kodak Company and discontinued only a few years later, Cinema Digital Sound was the first all-digital sound system used for 35 mm theatrical film. Common problems included losing audio in the middle of a film as well as f ...
