Podcast Summary: The Best Idea Yet - Episode 8: Polaroid: Invented (sort of) by a 3-Year-Old

Introduction In Episode 8 of The Best Idea Yet, hosts Nick Martell and Jack Crivici-Kramer delve into the fascinating history of Polaroid, exploring how a simple question from a curious child led to one of the most iconic innovations in photography. This episode uncovers the entrepreneurial spirit of Edwin Land, the challenges faced by Polaroid, and its enduring legacy in today's digital age.

Edwin Land and the Birth of Instant Photography The story begins in December 1943, with Edwin Land, a Harvard dropout and the co-founder of Polaroid Corporation, taking a rare vacation with his family in Santa Fe. Amidst this serene setting, his three-year-old daughter Jennifer poses a pivotal question:

Jennifer: "Daddy, why can't I see the pictures now?"
(07:35)

This innocent inquiry ignites Land's relentless pursuit to create instant photography, revolutionizing the way memories are captured and preserved. Within hours, Land begins conceptualizing a camera that can develop photos on the spot. By February 21, 1947, during the Optical Society of America's winter convention, Land unveils the first prototype of what would become the Model 95 Polaroid camera.

Nick Martell: "Land just made his own headshot in real time for an entire audience. And honestly, he looks fantastic in the photo."
(12:47)

Polaroid vs. Kodak: A Rivalry Unfolds Polaroid's innovation quickly captures the public's imagination, but success brings its own set of challenges. Edwin Land's Polaroid faces a formidable competitor in Kodak, its long-time collaborator turned rival. Initially, Kodak views Polaroid's instant camera as a novelty:

Jack Crivici-Kramer: "Kodak sees the new Polaroid as a novelty item, almost a toy, really."
(15:09)

Despite this, Polaroid's groundbreaking technology threatens Kodak's dominance in the photography market. The tension escalates when Polaroid's Model 95 becomes a runaway hit, selling significantly more units than initially projected. However, Kodak retaliates by introducing the Instamatic camera, priced substantially lower than Polaroid's offerings, aiming to capture a broader market segment.

Innovations and Challenges Edwin Land's insatiable drive for perfection leads Polaroid to continuously improve their products. In 1972, the introduction of the sleek SX70 camera marks a significant milestone, combining elegance with cutting-edge technology. However, Polaroid's journey is not without setbacks. A major issue arises when Polaroid's black and white photos begin to fade, prompting the company to implement a finisher solution despite Land's reservations.

Nick Martell: "The extra space Land and his team made to hide the pouch of developer chemicals, it turned into one of Polaroid's defining features."
(44:37)

Legal Battles and Decline The rivalry with Kodak intensifies when, despite Polaroid's comprehensive patents, Kodak releases its own instant camera, the Ek6, in 1976. Edwin Land promptly sues Kodak, leading to a protracted legal battle that culminates in 1990 with Kodak paying Polaroid $909 million. Tragically, Land passes away in 1991, and without his visionary leadership, Polaroid struggles to maintain its market position amid the digital revolution.

Resurgence through The Impossible Project In 2008, as Polaroid faces bankruptcy, Austrian entrepreneur Florian "Doc" Preschel steps in to revive the brand. Purchasing the last Polaroid factory in the Netherlands, The Impossible Project is born, dedicated to resurrecting and modernizing instant photography. By 2017, The Impossible Project acquires the Polaroid brand, reestablishing it as a beloved name among analog enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.

Legacy and Modern Influence Despite the digital era's dominance, Polaroid's legacy endures. The brand's distinctive features, such as the iconic white margin for captions, have influenced modern platforms like Instagram. Kevin Systrom, Instagram's co-founder, incorporated elements inspired by Polaroid and Kodak, blending nostalgia with contemporary technology.

Jack Crivici-Kramer: "What you think is a flaw might be your best feature."
(44:37)

Notable Quotes

• Nick Martell: "Asking why seven times is at the heart of what we call first principles thinking."
  (43:41)

• Jack Crivici-Kramer: "This won't be true every time. Some flaws are just flaws."
  (44:56)

Conclusion The Best Idea Yet Episode 8 masterfully chronicles Polaroid's journey from an ingenious spark of creativity to a symbol of enduring innovation. Edwin Land's unwavering curiosity and the company's resilience in the face of fierce competition highlight the transformative power of asking fundamental questions and embracing iterative improvement. Polaroid's story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and innovators striving to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Best Facts Yet

• Polaroid Myth Bust: Contrary to popular belief fueled by the song "Hey Ya," shaking a Polaroid photo is not recommended. Polaroid confirmed that shaking can damage the image, despite the enduring visual from the lyrics.
  (45:32)

• Edwin Land's Influence: Beyond photography, Land's innovations in polarizers revolutionized everyday items like sunglasses and digital screens, showcasing his far-reaching impact on technology and consumer goods.
  (45:46)

Final Thoughts The episode underscores the importance of relentless curiosity and resilience in innovation. Edwin Land's story teaches us that sometimes, the most groundbreaking ideas stem from the simplest questions—questions that push the boundaries of what's possible and redefine entire industries.