The loss of his daughter, Alexandra, to polio and subsequent financial struggles led Fuller to a period of deep despair and near-suicide. This crisis prompted him to dedicate his life to finding ways to improve humanity's future through design and technology.

Fuller coined the term 'Dymaxion' (Dynamic, Maximum, Tension) to describe his design philosophy, emphasizing efficiency and doing more with less. This term became associated with many of his inventions.

Fuller conceived the Dymaxion House, a prefabricated, mass-producible dwelling designed to be lightweight, energy-efficient, and affordable. While never mass-produced commercially in its original form, it represented a radical departure from conventional housing design.

Fuller designed the Dymaxion Car, a streamlined, three-wheeled vehicle intended to be more efficient and maneuverable than conventional automobiles. Although it garnered attention, it faced safety concerns and failed to achieve widespread adoption.

During the 1930s, Fuller became increasingly interested in global resources and energy distribution, advocating for a more equitable and sustainable use of the planet's resources.