Editor’s note: This article was first published in December 2018, although most of its content is older, from around 2011-2014. Descriptions such as Snooperscope collecting pre-orders after its Kickstarter campaign, the 3Doodler as the first 3D pen, and the prices quoted are from that time.
While browsing the web, we came across a number of original design products that you rarely see in Spanish shops. We’re sharing them mainly as inspiration, or, why not, in case they give you an appetite for doing business with these inventions, some of which are already patented.
All of these new products are original and innovative (to me, at least), and although some are more useful than others, they are already being sold successfully in the United States. I hope they give you some ideas.
Some of the most original products we found
1. Ice bullets
For lovers of hunting, guns or simply anything original, these bullet-shaped “ice cubes” will give your table a different touch.
As you can see, the finish is spot on, and the tray is designed to look like the magazine of an AK-47.
I haven’t been able to find these ice bullets for sale, but spherical ice balls, ideal for whisky, are easy to find.
2. Folding razor
Designed for the busy executive who is short on time or always in a rush, this razor fits inside your wallet.
It also comes with its own mirror so you can use it anywhere… and for any other uses you might find for it.
3. The flexible self-defence arm
The company ArmStar designed this arm-worn device, which promises to be the future of self-defence. It isn’t a lethal weapon, but it has everything needed to deter a would-be attacker. It is a portable computer and a smartphone, it has hands-free calling, and it includes a deterrent that projects a high-density sound capable of stunning the attacker.
If things get serious, it can also give the attacker an electric shock. While all this is happening, the device records images that can later serve as evidence of the crime. An excellent idea.
4. Decorative pillows
A pillow or cushion has other uses besides bedtime. Once the night is over, you can lay these stone-shaped pillows on the bedroom floor, and as you’ll see, it makes for original decoration.
5. Mobile kitchen
A star product in the US for people with small apartments where space is everything, such as studios where the bedroom, kitchen and living room share the same room. With this type of kitchen you can cook on the balcony and then put it away, or close it up so that nobody can tell whether it’s a kitchen or a wardrobe. The design is quite innovative.
6. Guitar pick maker
Not very useful for most people, but a very original product for guitar lovers, who can make picks in different designs. You can turn your credit card, your old ID card or any flat material into a musical instrument accessory.
7. Night-vision camera for smartphones
In a previous article we looked at 5 really original iPhone cases. This time, a group of entrepreneurs has designed the “Snooperscope“, a night-vision camera that you attach to your phone. Ideal for recording in the dark. The company is currently taking pre-orders after successfully completing its Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.
8. Film-reel USB drives
In the middle of the technology era, originality in USB drive shapes was bound to appear. This is one of the many designs on the market.
9. Baby stroller and scooter
Why just push when you can also climb on and pedal? A very simple, adaptable invention. In other words, it’s a normal baby stroller, and when you want to ride it, you simply unfold it.
10. The first 3D pen
The 3Doodler is the first pen designed for drawing in 3D. In other words, you don’t just draw on a flat surface: you can make drawings that stand up in relief.
Watch: 3Doodler video on YouTube
11. Windproof umbrella
The Senz stormproof umbrella was born from how useless an umbrella becomes in storms with strong winds. According to its creators, this design withstands winds of over 100 kilometres per hour, and it comes with a sleeve so you can carry it discreetly. It’s one of those business ideas that come from improving an existing product.
12. Design lamps
In the video you can see how one of the many designer lamp models works. In this case the lamp is shaped like a clothes peg, and as long as you don’t need the light, it’s just that: a peg. To turn it on, you simply fit the bulb.
Watch: Peg by Steffi Min on Vimeo
13. A one-of-a-kind umbrella design
The inventor of this umbrella supposedly came up with the idea while looking for a way to smoke on rainy days as he walked down the street. He did find a way to keep your hands free for any activity, such as talking on the phone or putting on lipstick, but smoking inside this device is not recommended (he never found a way to get the smoke out).
14. Folding table
An excellent large folding table, ideal for storing behind a wardrobe and very handy for unexpected guests. It’s also ideal for taking to the countryside, setting up a makeshift desk, and so on.
15. Speakers for car lovers
An excellent collection of speakers designed by David Wiener for car lovers, which in the US are already the favourites for dealership offices. The designer has even reached agreements with the most prestigious car makers to give these speakers away with the purchase of a vehicle.
And these are some of the most innovative products we found on Cool Business Ideas. In an earlier article we also looked at other kinds of products, such as personalised gifts. One thing is clear: to stand out, you have to innovate.
16. A kitchen table that doubles in size
A table that you can double in size in less than 5 seconds. It also has an elegant design and an incredible finish. The company Fletcher sells it from $50,000 (not one you’d want anyone damaging at home…).
Five more ideas for new products
17. A ball for panoramic photos
The ball you can see in the video has 36 built-in 2-megapixel digital cameras. When you throw it, they all fire at once at its highest point, creating an amazing panoramic image that you can download via USB. The invention was developed by computer engineer Jonas Pfeil as his final-year university project. It is still pending a patent.
Watch: the panoramic ball camera on YouTube
Seen on Mangas Verdes. Creator’s website: http://jonaspfeil.de/contact
18. A sleeping bag for sleeping like a pizza
An original sleeping bag design shaped like a slice of pizza, with vegetable-shaped pillows. The design is original and sells for about €76 online. Its creator is open to requests for new designs.
Seen on: Laughing Squid. On sale at: Etsy.com
19. Vertical chess
What until now was a board game becomes a wall game with this idea. We don’t know whether chess players will want this invention, but it’s already being sold as decoration for the hallways and living rooms of hundreds of homes.
Seen on: the creator’s website
20. Coffee tables made from a “crashed Ferrari”
What an original idea: having your own crashed car as the decoration on your living-room table. Some people would want to forget the accident, while others, as we can see, would rather remember it.
Designer: http://molinellidesign.com/
21. “Tuned” kitchens: the Formula 1 kitchen
This idea is “Made in Spain”. Its creator is José Rojas Díaz-Crespo. The idea is already patented, and its creator is looking for investors and manufacturers to bring it to market. The design is very well executed.
Creator’s website: http://cocinaautomovilmotor.blogspot.com/
See also: 13 original product ideas to sell (part 2)
Featured image: Fred Hsu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
