Some of the greatest inventions result from careful observation. A US Navy engineer who watched a torsion spring fall to the ground and flip flop in a fascinating way invented the Slinky. Tinkertoys were invented in 1913 by Charles Pajeau who was inspired by watching children play with pencils, sticks and empty spools of thread. Make it a habit to be on the lookout for ideas all around you. Carry a notebook to record your observations. Consult your notebook and ask yourself what you can borrow from these observations to solve your challenge.