How innovation builds industries

Until 1817, shoes weren’t made differently for left or right.

There were just shoes.

Straight, worn on either foot.

One day, someone noticed that the feet are mirror images.

So they designed around them. Shoes started to come as a pair.

And shoe making industrialised.

A primer in simultaneously making life more comfortable and profiting.

The best innovation is obvious. Staring you right in the face. Or feet.

What’s your favourite ingenious design innovation? What's the worst?

Image: Boots made with straight lasts, Late 18th century, V&A collection