Post-it® Notes ...Little sticky notes that revolutionized messages

"The product had its root as a solution looking for a problem."

Since the introduction of Post-it® Notes in 1980, the sticky yellow notes have become one of the best known of all 3M products. In a twist to the tradition of innovation, the product had its root as a solution looking for a problem.

3M research scientist, Dr. Spence Silver, first developed the technology in 1968 while looking for ways to improve the acrylate adhesives that 3M uses in many of its tapes - but he found something remarkably different. Silver knew that he had invented a highly unusual adhesive but what was he going to do with it?

The invention of 3M's Post-it® Notes began with Art Fry's (a 3M new product development researcher, pictured above) frustration at how his scrap paper bookmarks kept falling out of his church choir hymnal. With an intense curiosity and a penchant for practical solutions, Fry was intrigued by Silver's strange adhesive. His initial business application for the adhesive, a bookmark for his hymnal, was just the beginning of a long effort by Art and teams of colleagues to bring more than 200 Post-it® products to a world of users.

Canadian advertisers are using Post-it® Notes to deliver their sales messages - with exceptional results. 3M Post-it® Notes are popping up on the front pages of newspapers across Canada. Research indicates that advertising with Post-it® Notes increases product recognition and awareness and as they're often posted on refrigerators or computer screens, the advertisement has a longer shelf life.

One year after its introduction, Post-it® Notes were named 3M's Outstanding new Product. And today, loyal customers can't imagine how they ever got along without them. Post-it® Notes are best sellers worldwide.