Lessons from history: The #1 Foam Finger

Every now and then, it’s good to remember the old stuff. Especially the good ‘old’ stuff. Do you remember, for example, those foam fingers which stated your team’s position of superiority - or your opinion of your team’s greatness? A symbol of American sport in many ways, the foam finger had humble origins. It’s creator, Geral Fauss, was a simple high school teacher. This is what served as the inspiration for his creation:

I saw the students in the stands holding up an index finger, and shouting ‘we’re number 1′ at the playoff games.’ Students rallied around the team and kept a fevered pitch during the playoffs. I knew that they wanted something ‘big’ to show their spirit…..so I thought , why not a large hand sign.’

Geral quit his job in 1978. Today, his company, Spirit Industries, produces other foam-based products like novelty hats, beverage holders, megaphones and footballs in addition to its original foam product, the #1 finger. The #1 sign is in the US National Football League (NFL) Hall of Fame. 

The biggest idea can come from the smallest thing.

[via Design Boom]