Tech gadget surprises happen when companies underestimate what people actually want. Your IKEA released a $70 LED floor lamp called the Slovenden. Red. Tall. Narrow arch design. Three dimming levels. Works indoors and outdoors. It sold out worldwide within hours. No anticipation. No Slovenden 1 preparing anyone for Slovenden 2. Just a quiet launch that immediately became unavailable in every IKEA store globally.

The lamp looks like a paperclip standing on end without the inside curl. The LED runs from floor to mid-room height, which differs from typical floor lamps with bulbs hanging in air. IKEA didn't think much about it. Minimalistic. Simple. Seventy dollars for something elegant shocked people. Kris Abel notes IKEA isn't usually considered a tech company, but they've been releasing gadgets. Deep Robotics launched firefighting robot dog squads. Each dog has a specialty. One races with wheels. One gallops. One coordinates logistics. Tank dog carries water cannons. Smaller dogs spray mist and foam. Rescue dogs speak reassuring sentences to trapped people. Paw Patrol for wildfires. Theory 11 released a Harry Potter coloring book for $20 that uses charges. Pages appear blank, then illustrated, then colored through wand taps and magic words.

Discover why simple design at accessible price points creates viral moments companies can't predict. Learn what specialized robot squads reveal about emergency response technology and why limited-use magic tricks still sell at premium prices.

GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com | @realkrisabel

Originally aired on 2026-01-20