Fear of failure is often referred to as the number one enemy of creativity. This is fair enough as well, given it’s one of the main reasons why individuals and organisations struggle to innovate.

Failure should be encouraged as long as it happens quickly and cheaply. Oh yeah and there is learning that comes from it that isn’t swept under the rug!

Here are some of the worst new product failures from some of the most prominent brands in the world.

1. NetFlix - Qwikster

In 2011, Netflix’s streaming service started making strides and the company was also looking to continue making revenue through their DVD-by-mail offering. They decided to launch a stand alone website called ‘Qwikster’ which was essentially a rebrand of their DVD-by-mail service. The idea to split the two services into different brands (and websites) angered many customers and after about a month, ‘Qwikster’ was no more!

2. Sony - Airboard

The Airboard attempted to be the iPad before the iPad even existed. However, Sony didn’t do a great job of it. The Sony Airboard was launched in 2004 and had some pretty impressive features for its generation. These features included internet access and the ability to stream TV wirelessly. Unfortunately, the price tag of approximately $1,300 did not attract many customers. The Sony Airboard was discontinued only 4 years after launch.

3. Nintendo - Virtual Boy

All the way back in 1995, Nintendo tried its hand at Virtual Reality. The Virtual Boy aimed to fill the void between the release of the Super Nintendo and the Nintendo 64. The results of the venture were not as Nintendo had hoped or expected and in early 1996 all game development on the system was suspended. Why did it fail? Some reasons cited were its high price, lack of portability and health concerns.

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