Percy Shaw, a 1933 wintry night driver of his vehicle on remote roads in England, found himself in this situation. He was not able to see the moon, there was fog and rain that sprayed against his windshield. There was no sign, shoulders or curvy road. A mistake in judgment would result in severe consequences.
Shaw continued to walk along the hill, when suddenly he saw a Morriss Minor car appear at the top of the rise. His vehicle was in direct view of the car approaching. The road was unmarked and curved at a sharp angle. A small cat sped across the road and he was forced to take a quick decision. Shaw’s headlights”s car illuminated the eyes of the cat, and the reflection from those iridescent orbs provided Percy Shaw with just enough perspective to gage his distance and edge safely around the Morris Minor.
As Percy Shaw gathered himself after his close call, he began to think about what had occurred. Why were roads of the time so dangerous? What had just happened that he could take advantage of in a way to help all motorists? He became motivated to improve road safety for every driver everywhere. But how?
The reflection from the cat’s eyes was the key to the solution Mr. Shaw sought. He began tinkering in his garage workshop. After a number of attempts, he perfected the first “Cat’s eye Road Reflectors”. Today, the ubiquitous illuminated reflectors implanted in roadbeds and placed strategically along roadside rights of way are part of the driving experience that we take for granted. They provide safety and guidance at night, and in horrid weather conditions. In the 1930’s they were considered an amazing safety advance.
The British Government immediately endorsed and implemented the installation of the reflectors on roads across the British Isles and then across the Empire. Millions of Percy Shaw’s “Cat’s eye Road Reflectors” enhance driving safety around the world to this day. Mr. Shaw was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth and profited mightily from his invention. He was always most proud of the safety benefits his simple invention had provided mankind.
Modern entrepreneurs and inventors can take a simple lesson from this seemingly elementary invention. Percy Shaw was not thinking about inventing the “Reflector for cat’s eye route” that stormy night in 1933. An event occurred that made him consider possibilities. He sensed a need. He addressed that need. He profited from his answering the need he had identified, and all motorists realized the benefits of his inventiveness.
Creative entrepreneurs are always seeking to offer products and services that provide improved features and performance benefits not available in current items. The simplest of ideas and concepts are often the most commercial. The example of Percy Shaw’s invention of the “”Cat’s eye Road Reflector” is an excellent template for inventors.
The best opportunities can present themselves at the most inconvenient times. If you are looking to reap the rewards of being a successful innovator, it is important to be open to change and flexible. There are many opportunities for innovative, new products in the market.