[Photo Sparks] ‘Inventing is about being brave’ – Pep Torres, Museum of Ideas and Inventions (MIBA)

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In this showcase, we feature some of the innovative creations on display at the Museum of Ideas and Inventions in Barcelona!

In the earlier 50 posts, we brought you a wide range of creative photographs from an art fair, world music festival, painting fair, telecom expo, art museum, mobile showcase, math museum, social hackathon, bookstore, co-working space, sensorium, international design week, flower show, outdoor ads, startup roadshow, computer museum, startup T-shirts, business cards, art therapy, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, Vesak, jazz festival, modern art gallery, ecopreneurs, painter-poets, health activists, eNGOs and digital innovators.

Classic invention dreams over the decades have revolved around time machines, flying cars, and invisible human beings. “Give all ideas a chance to exist,” says Pep Torres, President & Founder, Museum of Ideas and Inventions (MIBA). On a recent visit to Barcelona during the Mosaic Summer School on Creativity, I had the chance to meet Torres and take a tour of the MIBA inventions, where photography is not just permitted but encouraged!

Located in the heart of the city, MIBA opens its doors to all those who are curious about inventions – including children, who are encouraged to draw out their wildest funniest ideas, and a team of designers actually makes prototypes and seeks funding from investors. For his efforts in spreading the joy and spirit of invention, Torres has been featured extensively in local and international media such as the BBC and Wall Street Journal. 

“There is no difference between good and bad ideas,” says Torres – there are only ideas which remain in your head and those which become inventions. “As we grow older, we become more cowardly and less creative,” cautions Torres, and urges everyone to keep their innermost creative spirit alive, have the courage to showcase their wackiest ideas, and become entrepreneurs throughout life. 

“Inventing is about being brave, not just having big ideas. If you don’t launch the drop, there will be no ripples,” he advises. Check out some of these creations on display in this photo showcase, and don’t forget that there is so much more to invent! 

Coffee mug with in-built tray for holding cookies – no need to juggle another tray!

Solar-power outdoor fan – the blades capture the sun’s energy and power the motor, keeping verandas and garden cafes cool.

Plastic grip for opening water bottles – no need to fumble and curse when you try to open the water bottle with sweaty hands.

Mittens for lovebirds – one mitten for two hands, perfect for lovestruck honeymooners.

Active alarm clock – as soon as the alarm starts ringing, the clock runs all around the room, forcing you to wake up and run to turn it off.

Water brush – invented by 11 year-old Joan Lerones, this brush gives your hair the ‘wet’ look without you having to take a shower.

Pillow with vibrating alarm clock – another product for considerate couples, where the alarm goes off silently in one pillow and does not wake up your sleeping partner.

Alcohol detector plugged into your cellphone – check your alcohol levels after your next party, and have your phone automatically call a taxi or friend to drive you if you have had one too many.

Socks with code numbers in pairs – so you never have to figure out how to match pairs of socks after your next laundry batch.

Flower pot with solar panel and motor guide – so the plant always gets to face the sun and stays healthy.

Psychological dieting plate – fill the plate with half the amount of food, and the mirror makes you think you are eating a whole plate.

Biker bar stools – for hardcore bike fans, this lets you carry on experiencing the joy of bicycle riding even when you are done with the ride and are sitting at a bar.

Waiter calling spray – no need to keep calling the waiter during peak hours, just press the can and the ‘Psssssst!’ sound will attract his/her attention.

There is still so much left to invent – so put on your creative hat and start inventing! Nourish the crazy ideas - because the good ones will be hiding inside them.

Got a creative photograph to share? Email us at [email protected]!

See also the YourStory pocketbook ‘Proverbs and Quotes for Entrepreneurs: A World of Inspiration for Startups,’ accessible as apps for Apple and Android devices.