Solution seeking a problem?

At the start of each season ask yourself this: Does the world need another product? Sure, it does. Provided it solves a real problem. And if made in an artful and unique way. 

Yet the Apple Watch flew against this principle. It was first briefed as a revolutionary device, worn on the wrist.* Hmmm. Sounds like a solution looking for a problem to me.

Eventually, Apple found its problem: Make the iPhone less distracting, less invasive. Not sure they solved that! Though the Apple Watch changed our relationship with our devices. And further product generations brought innovations for health, fitness and motivation.

Love it or hate it, the Apple Watch earned its place in the marketplace. Still, I wonder how different the solution if they solved for the original problem of less distraction, wrist or no.

*Pierce, D. (2015, May 1). iPhone Killer. Wired.com. https://www.wired.com/2015/04/the-apple-watch/