Published by:
Muriel de Bont
The intention was:
Launch of a machine that could duplicate documents and make the previously used carbon paper obsolete.
The approach was
Xerox launched in 1949 a manually operated copier called model A that used the so-called xerography technology. The xerography technique is a 'dry' process that uses heat instead of ink.
The result was:
The copier was slow, gave stains and was anything but user-friendly. Companies were not convinced of the benefit and continued to use mainly carbon paper. Model A was a flop.
The teaching moment was
10 years later, Xeros launched the fully automatic model 914, causing a lasting change in office life. In the US, the verb 'xeroxing' has become fully established due to the success of this copier.
Further:
Many business success stories are preceded by one or more initial failures.
