Invention

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.