June 21, 2025

History is filled with stories about innovations that were not the result of what was originally intended. Chocolate chip cookies were the result of chocolate chunks that failed to melt into the cookie dough. Instead of the chocolate cookies for which the baker had hoped, she – and we – got chocolate chip cookies. A scientist at 3M was trying to create a stronger adhesive, but the one he developed wasn’t adhering as he had hoped. However, when the mixture was applied to paper, the paper could be peeled off one surface and repeatedly applied elsewhere. Eventually, others at 3M saw a use for the product – and the Post-it note became a staple in offices throughout the world. Sometimes, things that result from…