How to Find Value in “Wrong” Ideas

In tech, groundbreaking innovations often come from “wrong” ideas, embracing hidden potential beyond conventional wisdom and trends. But how do you identify these opportunities, and what can tech companies and professionals learn from such “wrong” ideas?

This article delves into the art of finding value in “wrong” ideas, specifically within the tech industry, offering practical advice for innovators, entrepreneurs, and anyone with a passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Let’s explore why “wrong” ideas could be the spark for your next breakthrough.

Understanding the Power of the “Wrong” Idea

A “wrong” idea doesn’t necessarily mean it’s flawed—it could simply be misunderstood, ahead of its time, or contrary to what’s commonly accepted. Often, ideas that don’t fit neatly into existing paradigms are dismissed as impractical. However, technology thrives on disruptive innovations, and many of these innovations stem from ideas that challenge the status quo.

In 1975, for example, the idea of personal computers was laughed at by many experts in the field. Yet, by the 1980s, personal computing became the bedrock of modern society. Another well-known example is the advent of the touchscreen smartphone, which was once seen as an impossible luxury or a technology of limited use. Today, it’s a global standard.

The Benefits of Challenging Established Norms in Tech

In the tech world, challenging conventional wisdom can offer several potential benefits:

1. Innovation through Exploration: When a team or individual dares to consider an unconventional approach, they may stumble upon solutions that traditional methods would never have revealed. Apple’s decision to design a phone with no physical keyboard was initially a risky move. Today, the touchscreen-based iPhone has transformed how we interact with technology, making keyboards a thing of the past for many.
2. Creating New Markets: Some technologies may initially appear “wrong” simply because they don’t cater to existing markets. Think about the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). At first, the idea of connecting everyday objects to the internet seemed overkill, but now, IoT is a multi-billion dollar industry. By focusing on what others deem unimportant, tech pioneers have the potential to create entirely new markets.
3. Refinement and Progress: Many ideas labeled as “wrong” have a kernel of truth. While they may need refinement or a change in perspective, they often lead to discoveries that improve the tech ecosystem. Consider how artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved. Initially, AI was met with skepticism. Today, it’s the driving force behind industries ranging from healthcare to finance, constantly evolving through feedback loops.

How to Spot Value in “Wrong” Ideas

Identifying valuable “wrong” ideas can be a tricky endeavor. After all, the tech world thrives on rapid change, and what’s considered wrong today might become the next big thing tomorrow. So how can you spot the ideas that are worth pursuing?

1. Look for Unmet Needs: Sometimes, the most unconventional ideas are solutions to problems that haven’t been fully addressed by current technology. For instance, electric vehicles (EVs) were once viewed as a niche product for the environmentally conscious. Today, however, EVs are an essential part of the automotive industry, with companies like Tesla leading the charge.
2. Pay Attention to Failures: Not every idea that’s initially deemed wrong is a total failure. In fact, many innovations came about because people refused to give up after one failure. Take the development of virtual reality (VR), for example. Although the technology had been around for decades, its commercial applications didn’t truly begin to take off until recent years. By continuing to refine and rethink VR, tech companies have unlocked new possibilities.
3. Identify Patterns of Resistance: Sometimes, the most valuable tech ideas are the ones that face the most resistance. If you notice that a certain idea is consistently dismissed, it might be worth taking a deeper look. For example, the idea of remote work was once considered a “wrong” or inefficient model, but with the rise of pandemic-related work-from-home trends, it has proven to be not only viable but preferred by many employees.

Real-World Examples of “Wrong” Ideas in Tech

• Blockchain Technology: When blockchain technology was first introduced alongside Bitcoin, many saw it as a passing trend or a complex, useless idea. Today, blockchain has evolved into an essential tool for securing digital transactions, improving transparency, and revolutionizing industries like finance and supply chain management.
• The Early Web Browsers: When web browsers like Netscape Navigator were launched, the idea of the Internet as a mainstream platform for commerce or social interaction seemed far-fetched. Now, the web has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, from shopping and entertainment to education and work.
• Smart Home Devices: Initially, home automation devices were considered unnecessary luxuries. But as technology evolved and consumer needs shifted, the idea of “smart homes” began to gain traction. Today, smart thermostats, security cameras, and voice-controlled assistants are a standard feature in many households.

How to Cultivate the Mindset for Embracing “Wrong” Ideas

To truly unlock the potential of “wrong” ideas, fostering an innovative mindset is essential. Here are some strategies to cultivate this mindset:

• Encourage Diverse Thinking: Bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines can help break down barriers and encourage unconventional thinking. Tech companies like Google and Apple have long understood the value of diverse teams when it comes to fostering creativity and pushing the limits of what’s possible.
• Create a Safe Space for Experimentation: Allowing teams to fail—and learn from their failures—is crucial for discovering unconventional ideas. Whether it’s through hackathons, prototyping, or skunkworks projects, experimentation is often the key to identifying what works.
• Challenge Assumptions Regularly: The tech world is fast-moving, and assumptions that hold true today may not apply tomorrow. It’s important to consistently ask questions like, “Why does this have to be done this way?” or “What if we approached this from a completely different angle?”

The Future of “Wrong” Ideas in Tech

As technology continues to evolve, the value of “wrong” ideas will only increase. By embracing unconventional thinking, we’re bound to see more breakthroughs and innovations that push the boundaries of what’s possible. While not every wrong idea will pan out, the willingness to explore uncharted territory is what drives the tech world forward.

By finding value in the “wrong” ideas, we open up a world of possibility—one where technology can continuously reinvent itself, solve new problems, and create opportunities for those bold enough to look beyond the obvious.

References:

• Hölzl, W., & Hüttel, H. (2020) ‘The Power of Bad Ideas: The Role of Technology in Transforming Business Models.’ Business Innovations Journal, 45(3), pp. 143-160. Available at: https://www.businessinnovationsjournal.com (Accessed: 24 July 2025).
• Tushman, M.L., & O’Reilly, C.A. (2019) ‘Innovation and Organizational Change in the Digital Age.’ Harvard Business Review, 92(4), pp. 50-60. Available at: https://hbr.org (Accessed: 24 July 2025).
• Christensen, C.M. (1997) The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Available at: https://www.hbs.edu (Accessed: 24 July 2025).