Open Ended Questions

What impact did changing schools have on your learning? 

It was complicated, as I constantly had to keep up with new schedules and timetables, make good friends and get to know new teachers. I worked hard and excelled in many subjects, but may have achieved greater results if I'd have stayed in one school. 

Why do you think your electric car did not sell well? 

One of my main beliefs is that the time of launch was winter. As my model had no roof, it may have not been the best time to launch the model. If I could try again, I might use a visor, make it look less like a tricycle and reinforce it with a stronger motor. 

 What challenges did you face in miniaturizing café-ray-tubes for your miniature television? 

Usually, café-ray tubes have a standard size. All the big brands had certain machines for certain sizes, usually being for family sized televisions. A miniature television was unheard of, so I had to create new machinery to miniaturize the café-ray tube. 

What impact can you see on our modern life today? 

My pocket calculators have truly stood the test of time. They are used in many High school mathematics classes. As well as that, nowadays there are many electric cars, and I am proud to be the first electric car, even if it was not a successful seller. 

Why did you decide to work in electronics? 

Electronics is a good hobby to have. It took my mind off my troubles and entertained me. At first it was simply a pastime, but I enjoyed it so much it soon became a profession. Before long though, it was a career.

What was your trickiest invention? 

The computers were definitely the most complex invention. They were recent technology and required pieces that were needed were difficult to source. 

If you had to remove one of your inventions from the world, which would you remove? 

Probably the Sinclair C5. As it was not very successful, I wouldn't mind retracting it from history.  

How proud are you of your impact to our world?

In a word, I am extremely proud. I have seen my inventions help shape the world, and I look on in wonder. It makes me feel warm and know I have helped, have made my contribution to society.

Which actions, if any, are you regretful of during your life. 

I am regretful of not trying harder to create a line of electric cars. Maybe if I had've tried harder and created a better battery and motor, I could have brought convenience and have helped the environment 20 years before electric cars took off. 

Why do you think Sinclair Radionics was not permanently successful. 

Many people do not like change. Many people disliked my pocket calculator, not trusting this new technology. As well as this, my smartwatch did not capture much attention, most people prefering analogue watches.