Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Hero Who Rode His Segway Off a Cliff
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Feb 17, 2023 Explore the ironic tale of the Segway, touted as a revolutionary invention but ultimately a commercial failure. Delve into the tragic story of its inventor, whose fate highlights the darker side of innovation. Discover how the Concertainer, a forgotten invention by Jimi Heselden, successfully addressed unexpected challenges, contrasting with Segway's hype. Unpack the complexities of launching groundbreaking technologies and the legacies left behind by inventors, reflecting on the lessons learned from their successes and setbacks.
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Segway Cliff Death
- Sean Christie witnessed a man on a Segway back up and disappear over a cliff.
- The man, later identified as Jimi Heselden, owner of Segway Inc., died from the fall.
The Hype of 'It'
- A mysterious book proposal about an invention called "It" generated immense hype, touted as bigger than the internet or PC.
- Tech giants like Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs praised "It", fueling speculation about its nature.
The Big Reveal
- The unveiling of "It" on Good Morning America revealed it to be a Segway, a self-balancing human transporter.
- The reveal was met with some disappointment, contrasting the hype with the seemingly simple scooter.