Human creativity both stimulates and responds to governmental regulation.  Technological innovation often exhibits an interesting pattern in which the appearance of regulation may boost innovation, albeit in new directions. Initially unfettered, Man’s creative impulse begins with designs that are primarily functional. Once basic functionality is accomplished, innovation may follow a pattern of creative evolution for its own sake, whether in terms of performance or style.  If negative externalities and unforeseen consequences become apparent, regulation emerges as a moderating influence on creativity, bringing it in line with societal needs and channeling it in new directions.  Business’s initial responses to regulation may be clumsily functional, yet the creative impulse soon re-shapes and begins to flower within the new limits. 

Hood ornaments began as radiator caps, and steering wheels as simple rings. In a decades-long burst of evolution, these components took off in flights of fancy, in which style became the over-riding consideration.  A growing recognition that styling for its own sake had brought pedestrian-impaling designs led to legal and regulatory pressures for hood ornaments that were smaller, collapsible, and, ultimately, flat. We also have witnessed the evolution of steering wheels from hazardous styling exercises to padded impact absorbers and, in recent years, to air-bag steering wheels as active participants in safety.

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