Too many people try to make innovation seem difficult when in fact it’s not that hard if you have the right approach and the right tools. 

A company we work with has developed a breathtakingly simple solution to a problem nobody even thought existed. The inspiration of course is founded on the “Opportunity Matrix” – the notion not of asking people what they want, since they seldom know, but simply observing.

When a paper poster or certificate is to be sent by post or courier, it needs to be protected, so we put it inside those hard, cardboard tubes.

That’s how we’ve done it for years, but there are many problems: stacking them is impossible; they roll everywhere in vans and crates; they are next to impossible to reliably position for barcode readers and they do not “nest”.

If you pack four cylindrical tubes together for shipping, 25 per cent of the shipping volume is fresh air, air that you pay to ship. 

The problem has finally been addressed by Melbourne-based company, Kebet Packaging. They have developed triangular shaped tubes, much like the famous Toblerone chocolate packaging.

Not only does this work but the customers love the reduced shipping volumes, easier handling and packages that sit in on the spot as they are conveyed past barcode counting stations.

See the difference? It’s obvious. But as we always say “The obvious, once made obvious, is always obvious”

Learn the art of observation. It’s not rocket science but sure leads to innovation.