The Art of Invention

This title presents an engrossing and insightful look at the dynamic creative process of invention. The lowly paperclip attracts little attention in our world of advanced gadgets and increasingly sophisticated technology. But it is a prime example of the qualities that often characterize a great invention - simplicity, elegance, and robustness - and it provided a lasting solution to a common problem. "The Art of Invention" presents readers with an insightful exploration of the process of invention, and shows why these three qualities are essential not only to the success of simple devices but equally to complex inventions such as computer processors and nuclear power plants. This volume also examines how ideas can come from a variety of sources, including the natural world or even chance observations, and the real-world challenges of turning idea into a practical, marketable product.