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Engine Powered Vacuum
Created by H. Cecil Booth. Booth would ride around in his buggy and people would grab one of the multiple hoses from the vacuum to take inside and clean their home/building. This made cleaning faster and overall more effective. -
Toaster Heating Element
Invented by Albert L. Marsh. The invention of the toaster not only made life easier for family (mostly mother’s), but it led to other household inventions such as the vacuum cleaner and stoves. This electric toaster was the first appliance to take electricity from the confines of light into gizmos that overall made things simpler for breakfast in the morning. -
Washing Machine
Invented by Alva J. Fisher and manufactured by the Hurley Machine Company. This drum based electric washing machine was called Thor and is considered the first of its kind. From this design, the washing machine has matured and became an ideal appliance to have in households today. This machine made life simpler and more efficient to clean clothing. -
Model T Automotive Vehicle
Invented by Henry Ford. This invention made easier transportation for people and make urgent situations, like a child needing to see a doctor, more available and convenient. -
The Radio
Invented by Lee de Forest. Forest also coined the name, “radio”. This device had a large impact on families by its use of immediate distribution of information to the public and households, as well as it introduced music programming and entertainment. Families were aware of events happening more frequently and immediately rather than waiting for the paper to arrive the next day. -
The Refrigerator
Invented by Fred W. Wolf. This invention impacted families by making it easier to preserve and store food for meals. -
The Band Aid
Invented by Earle Dickson. The use of the Band Aid was the first dressing with adhesive tape that was convenient, especially for children. When a child would get scrapped or burned, all mom would have to do is slap a Band Aid on it instead of going to/calling the doctor. -
Domestic Dishwasher
Invented by William Howard Livens. The first electric dishwasher was created in 1913, but this dishwasher was used for domestic use. This invention made cleaning dishes easier for families and was more convenient. -
The Television
Created by Philo Taylor Fransworth. The first successful demonstration was in San Francisco. Television brought great impacts on families. It was mostly used for an entertainment piece, but also was used for distribution of information and news. -
The Electric Dryer
Invented J. Ross Moore. The washing machine was created before this, but the process still took a long time with drying, so Moore designed this machine to dry clothes. The machine helped reduce time drying for hard working mothers. -
The Iron Machine
This invention was a great addition to the household. It was automatic, it ironed, pressed, and steamed. This iron was a huge upgrade to the regular iron that did not have this many functions. -
The TV Remote Control
The first wireless remote was made by Zenith’s Eugene Polley. The device was invented to help the relaxation of consumers and lasted until the 1980’s when the industry decided to switch to infrared instead of ultrasound. -
The first Communication Satellite called Telstar
After two weeks, President Kennedy held a press conference in Washington, D.C that was broadcast live across the Atlantic making this invention one of the most influential during its time. -
The First Functional Smoke Alarm
This device was reintroduced by Duane D. Pearsall and Stanley B. Peterson. The first ever smoke alarm was created in 1801, however it was very basic. These new smoke alarms were powered by batteries, affordable, easy to install, and made of a fire-resistant steel made it more useful for consumers. -
Microwave Oven
Invented by Percy Spencer. Spencer accidentally came upon this invention in 1939 while working on building magnetrons for radar sets. The first domestic use of the microwave was not until 1967. This was often used in homes and make meals more convenient for busy families. Food preparation time was reduced significantly. -
Mr. Coffee Coffeemaker
Created by Vincent G. Marotta Sr. Marotta created the idea of the coffeemaker, but the overall design was done by Edward Able and Erwin Schulze. This coffeemaker was an instant hit and later referred to as, “one of the first convenient appliance that revolutionized food preparation in the 1970s-80s” by Bear, Steams & Co., Inc. -
The Cell Phone
Created by Martin Cooper, a worker for Motorola. If you had money for a cell phone, this helped keep people in contact with each other in the busier world. This would be influential to families by knowing the whereabouts of spouses and also contacting them when in need of something or in case of emergencies. -
The Video Home System (VHS)
Created by JVC in Japan. This was a revolutionary system for families. Watching movies at home was and still is a great way to have family time and relax with loved ones. -
Atari 2600
Invented by Atari Inc. This was the first game system created. The game system was used by children to interact with each other and have fun. -
The Laptop
This was the first laptop to be introduced to the public. It was created by Osborne Computer Corporation. The first model did not have a battery and was very heavy weighing about twenty-five pounds. This introduced the idea of working from home. -
Text Messaging
Text messaging was introduced in Europe by AT&T. This has now become the most common form of communication, and made it easier to get into contact with other people/family without having to put down everything and call them. -
GPS
GPS was released to the public to help with finding directions to somewhere. The device was later included on smart phones and made directions simple and overall very easy to understand. -
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius was designed by Toyota. This car was the first hybrid car introduced to the United States. This car influenced families by being economical and saving money by cutting down gas costs since the car also ran off electricity. -
The iPod
The iPod was created and released to the public by Apple. This device acted like an MP3 player, storing music and making it easy to bring music with you anywhere you go, with no one else having to hear your music. -
Google
Google was introduced to the world by Larry Page and Sergey Brin when they sold shares to the public for the first time and declaring itself to be the first search engine. Google still owns about 65% of the search market today. -
The Wii Game System
The Wii Game System was released by Nintendo. This game system made it easier and fun to play games that included the entire family. -
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle was introduced by the online superstore called Amazon. This device acted as an easy place to download/buy books and read them all in one! -
Apple’s iPhone
Apple’s iPhone was launched and made a large impact on consumers. Phone were originally just made for placing calls and some text messages, but Apple broadened the idea of the mobile phone. With the iPhone, consumers can search the web, play games, take pictures and videos. -
Skype
Skype was created by a Swede, a Dane and three Estonians and then sold to Microsoft. Skype made it easier for long distance relatives/spouses to visit and see one another without having to wait months or years to see them in person. -
Siri
Siri was created by a 24-person start up with the same name. Siri was the first virtual assistant that was later adopted by Apple and is now largely used by other companies.
