Edisonian Approach - Edison's Method

Edison's Method

Historian Thomas Hughes (1977) describes the features of Edison's method. In summary, they are:

• Hughes says, "In formulating problem-solving ideas, he was inventing; in developing inventions, his approach was akin to engineering; and in looking after financing and manufacturing and other post-invention and development activities, he was innovating."
• Edison "Adroitly chose" problems that made use of what he already knew.
• Edison's method was to invent systems rather than components of systems. Edison did not just invent a light bulb, he invented an economically viable system of lighting including its generators, cables, metering and so on.
• Edison invented by repeatedly trying devices in more complex environments to progressively approximate their final use conditions.
• Edison blended invention with economics. His electric lighting system was designed to be an economic competitor with gas lighting.
• Edison assembled and organized the resources that would lead to successful inventions:
  • Men with skills that would aid the task.
  • Equipment – machines, instruments, chemicals etc.
  • Literature on the subject. He started a project with a thorough literature review.
  • An environment where the purpose was invention not something else like manufacturing.
• Edison was a charismatic leader who drew on the ideas of those who worked with him.
• Edison was obsessive in his pursuit of outcomes, not allowing things like a lack of sleep, or cost, to deter him.
• Contrary to common opinion Edison made use of the scientific method but in a way that was limited to the task at hand and did not seek to develop generalized theories.
• A key to Edison's intellectual approach was to always doubt and never take things for granted.
• Edison made effective use of metaphors when picturing his inventions.
• He had a significant ability to grasp quantitative relationships despite his limited mathematical training.
• He worked by conceiving an idea and working towards achieving it.
• Edison (And his co-workers) possessed excellent manual dexterity.
• Edison was also very effective at sketching, enabling him to conceive and manipulate his ideas on paper.
• Edison did use hunt and try extensively but only when no theory existed and in a systematic rather than random manner.
• Edison was distinguished by his ability to deal with complex change.