The tech world is full of products that make you wonder “Why didn’t I think of that?” From simple solutions for vexing problems to obvious uses of new tech, Chicago startups are executing some ingenious ideas. But the teams behind these ideas are still working hard to make those work. Below, we list seven Chicago companies who are turning smart ideas into a reality.
Perhaps the most successful Chicago-based “Why didn’t I think of that?” company of the modern age, Peapod allows consumers to shop for food online and get it delivered whenever is most convenient. While the idea may have been simple at the time, the execution required top tech talent to figure out delivery logistics, customer service procedures and inventory management that has kept the company running smoothly.
Your eyes are always changing, and getting your prescription updated can be a real pain. And when you finally get into the eye doctor, you’re just reading some words off a wall. Why couldn’t you have just done that from home? Turns out you can with Opternative, which lets you use a laptop and a smartphone to get an updated prescription from just about anywhere.
Printers are a pain. Even still, you probably need to print a few documents a year, and heading to Kinkos for a single printed sheet seems like a wasted trip. PrintWithMe puts the printer where you’re probably already heading, like coffee shops and restaurants, so you can get those pages with your morning cup of joe or afternoon snack.
Parking in the city is never easy. But if you ever drive down side streets or alleys, you’ll often see plenty of open spaces that aren’t open to the public. ParqEx connects the owners of those spaces — everyday homeowners, landlords and shopkeepers — with drivers looking for a spot. It’s like Airbnb for parking, and it’s amazing it took this long to think of it.
Customer loyalty cards are obviously attractive to retailers, letting them track customers’ buying habits simply. But consumers also benefit from great deals and more applicable coupons and advertising — as long as they remember to bring their cards with them. Rewards21 replaces the separate loyalty card with something you’re already probably using at the store: your credit card. This gives consumers a much easier way to earn rewards and offers retailers more insight into their customers.
Doing the same workout on every trip to the gym is about as boring as can be. It can be hard to break out of your rut, and hiring a personal trainer is expensive. Chicago-built app Daily Spot helps you achieve your fitness goals with fresh workouts designed by real fitness experts. Plus, the fitness experts can build custom workouts for their followers, helping them build an audience of workout fanatics. You’re probably already working out with your smartphone anyway, so why not use it to actually improve your workout?
Who hasn’t dreamed of taking some meetings outside the boring corporate office? Peerspace lets you host meetings in historic buildings, art galleries and other unique locations to take your gatherings to the next level. The company also helps gallery owners, museums and business owners monetize their spaces during slower periods to boost profits.
Images via listed companies, Shutterstock
What’s your favorite “Why didn’t I think of that” idea? Let us know with a tip or a tweet @BuiltInChicago
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