Cambridge Business Association
Invention
Book

Invention

A Life

James Dyson
Simon & Schuster, 2021
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Overview
  • Engaging

Recommendation

James Dyson tells the remarkable story of how he brought his iconic bagless, cyclonic vacuum to market. The incredible patience and perseverance the British inventor displayed along the way is even more astounding than his invention. He took unimaginable risks and suffered painful setbacks to make his dream come true. In a last-ditch effort to get the vacuum into production, Dyson risked everything, mortgaging his home to secure the necessary financing. Brilliant, driven, and eternally optimistic, he was determined to triumph no matter how long it took. Aspiring entrepreneurs clinging to the myth of achieving “overnight success” can learn a lifetime of lessons here.

Summary

James Dyson, inventor of the cyclonic vacuum, refused to get sucked in by shortcuts.

James Dyson built and tested 5,127 prototypes in the four years he spent developing his iconic cyclone vacuum. Yet in 1983, when he “finally cracked it,” the Englishman experienced an unexpected emotional letdown rather than elation. He had become obsessed with the daily process of constructing and testing prototypes. He was hooked on producing a revolutionary machine that could collect dust finer than the width of a person’s hair. Dyson embraced the notion that invention is more about dedicated effort than singular moments of brilliance. Invention requires constant experimentation and the willingness to accept failure and relentlessly push ahead.

Though he knew nothing about marketing and manufacturing, he was excited about designing and building machines. He was determined to challenge conventional thinking and tune out the naysayers. And, he had the perseverance and patience to build multiple prototypes until he found the right answer.

When Dyson attended the Royal College of Art, design opened new doors to his future.

About the Author

James Dyson is best known for developing the cyclonic vacuum cleaner. Dyson is a global tech company that researches electric vehicles, solid-state batteries, AI, and high-tech appliances and sells innovative products internationally. In 2017, James Dyson launched the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology to address the UK’s shortage of engineers and give undergrads hands-on experience. The Dyson family also invests in large-scale carbon-neutral farming in England.

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