Financial independence does not necessarily equal rich. I've always approached this in the reverse way. If you are just trying to get rich you may not actually enjoy what it is that you are dedicating your time to. You first have to focus on a question. Questions are the most important intellectual tool humans have. I've developed the mind set that asking the right question is much harder than finding the answer. If you would like to build a product that will "make you rich" you have to ask yourself a few questions: A) What is it the world needs (functionally/adaptively) that does not already exist? B) How long would it conservatively take me to construct such a app/device/tool/product etc.? C) What will the likely technological landscape be at the end of this timeline? Once you have very focused answers to these questions you will have a better direction. But remember - it is the project that should excite you - not the prospect of riches. It may take several projects before you get your breakthrough - but if you love what you're doing you will eventually start a project that is "successful".A goal of mine is to be financially independent (otherwise known as rich).
The idea that I could achieve this goal if only I found the right product to build is very frustrating.