It’s been said that no one’s success is complete without failure, but a new international exhibition in Calgary proves that even some of the most talented innovators have had some of the worst ideas for consumers.
The Museum of Failure officially made its Canadian debut when it opened on July 1 at Southcentre Mall, featuring more than 130 exhibits of failed innovations.
Some of the lowlights include such monumental failures as Google Glass, Colgate beef lasagna, fish-flavored water, and the video game ET.
Calgarians also got to check out a weight-loss hula chair, an electric face mask and Jarts — the so-called “family-friendly” game of lawn darts — that has injured thousands of people.
The museum was originally conceived by psychologist and innovation researcher Dr. Samuel West. Since making its debut in Sweden, the traveling exhibition has visited cities such as Los Angeles, Paris and Shanghai.
Showpass CEO and founder Lucas McCarthy organized the event in Calgary and said it provides a unique insight into the risky business of innovation.
“We have all kinds of failures, everything from commercial failures from a financial standpoint, failures from the idea of naming things wildly wrong, failures in research and just some real incompetence,” he said.
Since making its debut in Sweden, the traveling exhibition has visited cities such as Los Angeles, Paris and Shanghai.
“But the most interesting part of this museum is that it all started from an idea that someone had about creativity and innovation, and that’s what we really wanted to try and highlight: the idea that creativity and innovation can sometimes lead to failed outcomes.” “
Visitors to the museum like Michel Beldi cannot disagree that some ideas, however silly at the time, can lead to great business triumphs.
“I think it’s really, really fun,” she said.
“I’m actually going to take some of these things that I’ve learned back with me at work because we’re all about innovation, so there are some ideas here that I can use.”
The museum also gave Calgarians the opportunity to share their personal failures by writing them on sticky notes and sticking them on the wall.”
Everything from ‘texting my mother-in-law instead of my wife’, ‘drinking too much tequila’ and ‘plugging in a power pack’ were recorded.
Joshua Harrop was amazed by the human element of the exhibits.
“It shows you have to roll with the punches,” he said.
“But honestly never be afraid to ask for help, know your market because there are ups and downs, your idea will change.”
The Museum of Failure is open until the end of August and is located at the outer entrance on the south side of Southcentre Mall near the Decathlon store.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and tickets can be purchased online at showpass.com
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