Final answer:
The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg, had a significant impact on the spread of knowledge during the Renaissance, contributing to widespread educational and cultural changes, while the steam engine ushered in an era of industrialization and mechanization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The invention that had a significant impact on the daily life of people during the Renaissance was the printing press. Developed around 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg, the printing press introduced the era to mass production of texts, which greatly facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas. This advancement supported the dissemination of Renaissance humanism and contributed to the eventual Age of Enlightenment. The ability to produce multiple copies of books and pamphlets quickly and economically revolutionized education, religious practices, and the accessibility of information to the general public.
Another crucial invention was the improvement of the steam engine in 1782 by James Watt and Matthew Boulton, which significantly enhanced productivity and led to mechanization in industries. Although the steam engine's impact became more pronounced during the Industrial Revolution, which followed the Renaissance, its invention symbolizes the progress and innovative spirit of the era.