| I have often written and referred to the difference | | | | convergent, but is so unique that it will almost certainly |
| between convergent and divergent products. | | | | become a sought after status symbol. |
| Convergent products are simple design improvements | | | | Chairs fill up homes and serve the basic purpose of |
| on existing models already being marketed. The push | | | | holding our relaxing bodies. There is nothing really not |
| button radio, the car radio or a clock radio are | | | | much new about the uses and placement of the basic |
| examples of convergent products. These examples | | | | chair. We eat while sitting on chairs. We read while |
| simply add features to the divergent "alpha" invention | | | | sitting on chairs and watch television while relaxing on |
| of the radio. The invention of the radio was truly a | | | | chairs. Some chairs are upholstered, some are all |
| monumental breakthrough divergent product. It was | | | | wood construction, and some recline. |
| revolutionary and totally new. | | | | The Rabbit Chair, designed by Stanislav Katz is just |
| Most new product introductions are simple line | | | | another chair. But what a chair! The color, elegant |
| extensions, or convergent products. Pringles Potato | | | | simplicity of design and amazing symmetry of line |
| snacks were a divergent product when introduced. | | | | make the Rabbit Chair a work of art and artisan |
| Pringles were a significant departure to any potato | | | | excellence. This is another example of convergence |
| snack then on store shelves. The dozen or so newest | | | | on steroids. The Rabbit Chair works on so many |
| flavors of Pringles are convergent. They expand the | | | | functional and artistic levels that it will be thought of as |
| brand, increase retail shelf space and add sales, but | | | | much more than a convenience for supporting the |
| they are not revolutionary. | | | | human body. |
| The difficulty for inventors and entrepreneurs is to | | | | The smoking pipe has been with us for centuries. I can |
| create truly distinct divergent products. This is the "Holy | | | | clearly remember my dad's pipe rack that held his |
| Grail" for new product developers, and yet, it is | | | | assortment of wooden pipes and tobacco's. I |
| exceedingly rare that such a product appears. It is a | | | | occasionally see pipes on display in tobacconist shops. |
| desirable goal. Nevertheless, it is not essential for a | | | | I do not notice that much has changed in the styling, |
| product designer to achieve divergence to enjoy | | | | construction or function of the pipe. |
| acclaim and enrichment. | | | | Recently I was introduced to the Ecolos Pipe created |
| There is nothing much new about the ancient bicycle. | | | | by contemporary designer Harold Bogazpinar. Stunning! |
| They have two wheels, a seat, brakes, pedals and | | | | There is no other word for the sleek beauty of such a |
| maybe some gears. There are different styles and | | | | mundane product as a pipe that is crafted as elegantly |
| brands of bikes, prices run the gamut, but they | | | | as the Ecolos Pipe. This is another example of the |
| essentially do the same thing: transport a human being. | | | | work of creative genius. |
| Take a look at the Polygon Bicycle created by Reindy | | | | A pipe, a chair and a bicycle; common products all! |
| Allendra. It is obviously a bicycle, with a significant | | | | However, when inspired designers and artists apply |
| difference. The profile of the bike looks like a rocket | | | | their amazing creative talents to crafting ingenious |
| ship and-- I want one! If nothing else, I want one for a | | | | styling cues these common household products |
| piece of sculpture. Mr. Allendra's design is so stunning | | | | become art. They are convergent products, but they |
| that it might be dangerous to ride as drivers and | | | | will enrich the lives of consumers lucky enough to own |
| pedestrians gawk at the stunning brilliance of the | | | | this artistry. Always remember the importance of |
| design and become distracted. This product is | | | | design when creating new consumer products. |