WHAT TURNS SOMETHING ORDINARY INTO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY? The magic is found in things that are first functional, and secondarily clever or sexy. Take these barcodes, for example. Each is a work of art—yet, first and foremost, each is fully functional. That’s the twist that makes them both extraordinary and memorable.

My son and I were talking today about the appeal of Apple products. Their sleek appearance is pleasing, but secondary to their functionality and to what they enable me to do.

The challenge of innovative thinking is to make something as appealing as it is functional. And, vice versa.

What do you think?