Technology

Expensive origins: Some of the things in everyday use were developed for the space program. Smoke detectors, for example, were first used in Skylab.

Space program sometimes could bring marginal benefit to average people.

Today's cell phones are tiny by comparison, and you can do much more than just talk on them. You don't even need to use your hands to call a friend.
 With the aid of voice software...

Making a difference: The way something looks can be just as important as how it works. The first colorful Apple iMac design made it stand out from other computers, so more people bought it. 
Appearance vs. Function
Will it sell?
Microwave oven. 
It completely changed the way many people cook.