What examples illustrate invention stemming from 'play' rather than urgency?

Answer

The microwave oven (a byproduct of radar research) and Post-it Notes (an inadequate adhesive).

The concept of play as the father of invention centers on unburdened experimentation without an immediate, specific goal attached. The microwave oven and Post-it Notes serve as prime examples because they originated not as solutions to pressing needs, but as interesting side effects or deviations during other experiments. The low-stakes freedom inherent in play allows for novel conceptual connections that goal-oriented necessity or critical doubt might filter out prematurely.

What examples illustrate invention stemming from 'play' rather than urgency?
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