Make: Volume 43

Amateur Scientist

When Projects Fail:

My DIY wearable gadget never sold — but it led to my first article, a kit company, and a career in electronics and science.

Written and photographed by Forrest M. Mims III Illustrated by James Burke

FORREST M. MIMS III(forrestmims.org), an amateur scientist and Rolex Award winner, was named by Discover magazine as one of the “50 Best Brains in Science.” His books have sold more than 7 million copies.

PROJECTS THAT FAIL ARE RARELY PUBLISHED — BUT THEY TEACH VALUABLE LESSONS THAT OFTEN LEAD TO SUCCESS. If you’ve ...