![]() ![]() The color may not have been chosen on purpose, but it definitely worked out in the long run. 3M loved the product and eventually became interested in selling it. Spencer Silver and Arthur Fry used that time to combine the sticky microspheres with the paper they had on hand, which was canary yellow scrap sheets. Geoff Richardson, an executive at 3M, allowed his employees 15% of their working hours to dedicate to personal projects. Sticky notes are usually yellow because that's the type of paper that was lying around at the 3M factory when they were first created in 1974.ĭr. To this day, 3M will not disclose how they add the adhesive to the paper. The only patent that exists for Post-it Notes is on Silver's microspheres. The best way to honor both his and Arthur Fry's legacy is by writing plenty of memos on your favorite Post-it Notes! Unfortunately, Spencer Silver passed away in May 2021. With some marketing magic from 3M, however, 20 pads of sticky notes were being used per person across the United States by the end of 1979. ![]() Nobody really understood what all the fuss was about. The rest is history!įry shared the sticky paper with his co-workers, family, friends, and other members of Wednesday night choir practice at North Presbyterian Church in St. Fry then stuck these strong sticky orbs to paper and used it as a bookmark in church. Silver created microspheres completely by accident in 1968. Who Invented the Post it? Īrthur Fry and Spencer Silver are credited for inventing the Post-it Note. The name “3M” comes from the three M's found in their original name: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing. They're a global conglomerate with an estimated net worth of $5 billion and a reoccurring spot on the Fortune 500 list. You are hard-pressed to avoid using 3M products today. By 1968, all this innovation led to the accidental creation of the Post-it Note! It didn't take long for the company to set their sights on new growth opportunities, leading their scientists to experiment with different materials and applications. They actually started out with a focus on mining, specifically for a mineral that was used to make sandpaper. ģM is huge in the world of office supplies and medical equipment, but that wasn't always the case. and is well-known for not just Post-it Notes, but also Scotch tape, Nexcare medical supplies, Ace bandages, and Littmann stethoscopes. 3M is one of the biggest companies in the U.S. Sticky notes, or Post-it Notes, are made at the 3M factory in St. They're built from water-resistant materials, making them good for indoor use in the kitchen and outdoor use at places like construction sites. Post-it Extreme Notes are designed to withstand tough conditions. 3M eventually branched out from these humble beginnings! The company was known at first for mining corundum, a mineral for sandpaper. 1902 Source: ģM opened their doors under the name Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing. Although technology is more advanced than ever, we still rely on these memo sheets for our daily reminders. Post-it Notes haven't changed much since they first came on the market. – Liz Stevens journalist at the Star Tribune in Minnesota History of Post-it Notes Timeline Post-its still cling – lightly and conveniently – to the popular landscape. It's interesting in this electronic age that Post-it Notes, which require setting pen to paper, continue to gain popularity. It's a tale that involves makeshift bookmarks, chemical labs, and a brilliant marketing strategy known as the “Boise Blitz.” If you have time, stick here as we get into the crazy journey of the Post-it Note. With so much use, your mind might be blown to learn that these tiny pieces of yellow paper were invented totally by accident! Sticky notes are faithful friends, giving us a nudge about groceries we want to buy, tasks we need to do at the office, and homework we can't forget about.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |