Problem-solving design: the best ballpoint pen and other iconic inventions

Every great product begins with great design. When a product is crafted to solve a specific problem, it resonates with users by addressing real-life challenges. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s using design to find innovative solutions to everyday issues.

From the best ballpoint pens with their smooth glide to the powerful suction of a vacuum and even the simple squeeze of a ketchup bottle—these everyday items show how thoughtful design can create iconic, lasting products that people love.

Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite problem-solving designs on the market today.

Heinz Ketchup: serves the perfect dollop

Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments in the world, with millions of bottles sold every year. But its plastic bottle reincarnation does more than just make your fries tastier—it makes meal times easier, too. 

The Problem: The original Heinz glass bottle made it difficult to pour ketchup, often requiring shaking, tapping, or spooning to get it out. This slow process left many hungry users struggling to get the right amount of ketchup.

The Design Solution:  Heinz created a squeezable plastic bottle, making it easier to control how much ketchup comes out. Its user-friendly design means that squeezy Heinz ketchup bottles are now a pantry staple.

Nest thermostat: keeps homes cozy 

Smart home technology is constantly improving, offering new ways to make life at home easier, more comfortable, and even greener. The Nest Thermostat is a perfect example of this, showing how thoughtful design can solve everyday domestic problems.

The Problem: Getting the temperature right at home or the office can be tough, and traditional thermostats aren’t always easy to use. This often leads to rooms being too hot or too cold, and higher energy bills from running the system unnecessarily.

The Solution: Engineered by Google, the Nest Thermostat simplifies home temperature management. It learns routines and automatically adjusts to keep the environment comfortable. It can be controlled remotely through the Nest app, making it easy to maintain the desired temperature no matter where you are. It also integrates with other smart home devices like Amazon Alex and Google Assistant for hands-free control. This user-friendly thermostat is a straightforward solution for keeping homes cozy while reducing energy consumption. 

LifeStraw: sanitizes drinking water

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet in many parts of the world, the lack of it can be a matter of life or death. But LifeStraw is changing all that.

Problem: Whether you’re out in the wild, traveling to remote areas, or living where the water system is unreliable, finding safe water can be a serious challenge. Contaminated water can harbor harmful bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, putting health at risk. In emergencies or when clean water is scarce, not having a reliable way to filter water can turn staying hydrated into a critical concern.

Solution: LifeStraw offers a practical and reliable solution to the problem of unsafe drinking water. This portable water filter is designed to remove harmful bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, making water clean and safe to drink. It works without the need for chemicals, electricity, or batteries, so it’s incredibly convenient for any situation. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and can filter up to 1,000 liters of water. It provides a simple, cost-effective, and lifesaving way to stay hydrated no matter the circumstances.

Dyson: makes vacuuming a breeze 

When it comes to making cleaning easier, smart design makes all the difference. That’s where Dyson has truly revolutionized the industry, transforming vacuum cleaners into a new standard for power and innovative design.

The Problem: Traditional vacuum cleaners often get clogged and lose suction over time. The bags need to be changed frequently, making cleaning a hassle, more costly, and less effective.

The Solution: James Dyson tackled this issue by inventing a bagless vacuum. His design uses cyclonic separation to whip dust and debris out of the air and straight into a collection bin. This keeps the suction strong from start to finish, eliminates the hassle of buying new bags, and makes vacuuming more efficient and cheaper in the long run. 

Twist Pen: keeps ideas flowing

Finding a pen that is always where you need it to be can be challenging. But not anymore, thanks to the MOO Twist Pen. 

Problem: We’ve all been there—setting down a pen only to have it roll away, causing frustration and interruptions in your workflow. It’s a small annoyance but one that can be surprisingly disruptive, especially when you need a reliable writing tool on hand.

Solution: Enter the MOO Twist Pen, a simple yet ingenious solution. Its unique shape prevents it from rolling away, ensuring it stays exactly where you place it. Combining practicality with elegance, the Twist Pen stands out as one of the best ballpoint pens out there. Whether signing important documents, jotting down quick notes in a meeting, or handing out Branded Merch at an event, Twist Pen offers a non-rolling, reliable, and stylish writing experience.

Create iconic designs for your brand with MOO

If Branded Merchandise is a problem, then we have the solution. From Pens to Postcards; we have everything you need to make your brand iconic. With a MOO Business Plan, our expert design team can help you create custom pens that stand out and make a lasting impression. To get started, fill out this short form, and one of our team members will get in touch shortly.