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British industrial designer James Dyson (64) is the founder of the Dyson Company and inventor of the Dual Cyclone bagless vacuum cleaner, which famously took 5,127 prototypes to perfect. More recently he has created the Air Blade hand dryer, the Air Multiplier fan and the Dyson Hot personal heater. His charitable trust, the James Dyson Foundation, runs an annual award scheme that searches for the next generation of design innovators.
What advice would you give to younger self?
Not to take advice. People are too quick to say no to an idea but if you have faith, be persistent. Don't do market research -- it will either tell you what you already know, or put you off all together.
What is the most common mistake you see entrepreneurs make?
Aspiring to be an entrepreneur. It shouldn't be a goal in itself and it seems they have got things the wrong way round. First you have to have an idea, develop it and then commercialise it.
What can you learn from the emerging talent?
Young people aren't afraid to tackle great problems with gusto.
Every year I am surprised by the breadth of entries of the James Dyson Award; it proves that design and engineering can improve life, often in simple ways. Last year's winner, Edward Linacre, created a device that extracts water from air using condensation. It's a simple idea, used to striking effect and it has the potential to save lives.
What -- in your career -- have you been most proud of?
The Dyson Digital Motor. Our team of motor engineers has been developing digital motors for over ten years. Spinning five times faster than a Formula One engine, the Dyson digital motor offers masses of potential. Already powering efficient machines like the Dyson Airblade hand dryer but also opening up no end of possibilities for the future.
What has been your worst business decision to date?
Failure is good; it's a sure way to understanding why something doesn't work. Some people see the Dyson washing machine as a failure, but it was excellent at washing clothes. Compromising on quality was not an option -- we used the same ball bearings as F1 engines and incorporated a sophisticated contra-rotating drum -- but we didn't make any money out of it. But people who have it now swear by it.
What transformative technology or market force did you not predict?
I don't sit around making predictions. Dyson engineers go against the grain, developing technology that solves problems, hopefully proving a few predictions wrong the process.
What keeps you awake at night?
I sleep very well, thank you.
Which single device could you not live without?
My Dyson security pass. I need it to go and work with the engineers -- so daily. Intellectual property and its protection is our backbone. I would be turned around at the door of our Research, Design and Development without it.
The 2012 James Dyson Award is looking for young designers and engineers to develop a "problem-solving invention". Visit www.jamesdysonaward.org for details.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK