Yes, You read that right, There’s a “Museum of Failure” in Sweden which highlights 150+ failed products. It’s meant to show that innovation requires risk-taking and failure.
Here are 10 gems you may be surprised exist:
ESPN phone (2006)
This ESPN-branded flip phone provided grainy video highlights and 24/7 sports news. It cost $399 or “free” with a $65-$225/month plan
It lasted <1yr, with Steve Jobs telling ESPN execs ““Your phone is the dumbest f***ing idea I have ever heard.”
Ikea a.i.r. (1980s)
Ikea took “DIY” and “transportable” to new heights with its line of inflatable furniture (a.i.r.).
Valves constantly leaked and needed re-pumping. The line did last almost a decade, though.
TwitterPeek (2009-2010)
A $200 handheld device that *only* ran Twitter. It was a disaster:
You could only see 20 characters at a time
Linked websites were inaccessible
It only refreshed the 10 most recent Tweets
Spray-on Condom (2006-2008)
Step 1: Insert junk into spray apparatus
Step 2: Spray on melted latex
Step 3: Wait 3 minutes for it to dry
Step 4: This is the most insane thing ever seen in my life
Lifesaver Holes (early 1990s)
Honestly, this was kind of a good idea.
Lifesaver launched a product that was supposed to resemble the punched out holes from the OG circular candies.
It totally flopped.
Nintendo Power Glove (1989-1990)
This was one of Nintendo’s first forays into VR tech. It sold 600k units in the first 6 weeks but didn’t actually do anything of note.
The hand-motion tech would later develop into the super successful Nintendo Wii controller, though.
Harley-Davidson Cologne (1996-2005)
Harley has a strong brand and merch makes up ~5% of its sales. In the mid-90s, the motorbike manufacturer got a little ambitious w/ its brand extension strategy: eau de toilette (AKA cologne).
The scent was called — wait for it — “Hot Rod“.
Apple Pippin (1996-97)
Pre-Steve Jobs return, Apple launched a gaming console. It used Macintosh tech, so was pretty powerful…but way overpriced.
It cost $600 vs. $200 for the N64. In a year on the market, Apple sold 42k units
N64 sold 300k on the *first* day.
Seems like apple had a thing for overpriced stuff way before iphones were invented!
Arch Deluxe (1996)
It’s McDonald’s largest flop.
Facing pressure from BK, McD made an “adult” burger: patty on potato-flour bun w/ lettuce leaf (not shredded), tomato + fancy mustard.
It failed after $100m in ad spend (the ad copy had children criticizing the “adult” taste).
Colgate Frozen Beef Lasagna (early 1980s)
The Museum of Failure can’t confirm whether or not this *actually* existed (Colgate says “no”). If true, one of the more ludicrous product crossovers ever LOL.
Nike Magneto (1995-97)
Nike created a pair of futuristic sunglasses that didn’t have temples (the part that goes over your ear).
One big catch: to wear them you had to glue magnets on your face so the shades could clip on.