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Eveready 'Dolphin Mk2' design block model

Eveready 'Dolphin Mk2' design block model

Object No. 91/1312

This is a design model for the second generation Eveready Dolphin torch. It was designed by Paul Cockburn of Design Field Pty Ltd, Sydney in 1972 and used by the designer to test the appearance and record the design process. The new torch had to be shock resistant and waterproof. Cockburn insisted that it should be fairly ugly because he believed that many people would see this as a sign of ruggedness and reliability. He also wanted the torch to be multi functional, so he gave it an angled head that threw light down onto the path ahead or up when placed on the ground, useful when you're changing tyres in the dark. From 1978 until 1989 Cockburn's Dolphin Mark II was the best selling torch in the world. Another redesign in 1989, again by Cockburn, created the even uglier, high-tech styled Dolphin Mark III. The third version of the torch was made in Hong Kong for worldwide distribution. The most recent versions of the torch, Mark 4 and 5 were created by Design Resource in Crows Nest for the US-based Energizer company. This torch, together with the other versions, illustrates the transformation of a single product from one manufacturer over a period of 40 years.

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Summary

Object Statement

Torch design model, Eveready 'Dolphin' Mk 2, torch, plastic, designed by Paul Cockburn, made by Design Field Pty Ltd, Australia, 1972

Physical Description

Torch design model, Eveready 'Dolphin' Mk 2, torch, plastic, designed by Paul Cockburn, made by Design Field Pty Ltd, Australia, 1972 A design model for battery operated torch. The model is made from yellow plastic It has a rectangular body and a square head that is set at an angle. At the front of the head there is a globe that is surrounded by silver reflective material and covered by a panel of clear plastic. There is a round, plastic yellow button on the top of the model and a handle that runs parallel to the body of the torch. There are two rectangular recesses on either side of the torch.

DIMENSIONS

Height

115 mm

Width

95 mm

Depth

190 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

This is a design model of the second generation Eveready Dolphin torch. It was designed by Paul Cockburn of Design Field Pty Ltd, Sydney, in 1972. The new torch had to be shock resistant and waterproof. Cockburn insisted that it should be fairly ugly because he believed that many people would see this as a sign of ruggedness and reliability. He also wanted the torch to be multi functional, so he gave it an angled head that threw light down onto the path ahead or up when placed on the ground, useful when you're changing tyres in the dark. From 1978 until 1989 Cockburn's Dolphin Mark II was the best selling torch in the world. Another redesign in 1989, again by Cockburn, created the even uglier, high-tech styled Dolphin Mark III. The third version of the torch was made in Hong Kong for worldwide distribution. The most recent versions of the torch (Mark 4 and 5) were created by Design Resource in Crows Nest for the US-based Energizer company. Design Resource has been creating products for Energizer and its former subsidiary Eveready since 1989. Significant organisations : Eveready Australia Pty Ltd : marketing Design Field : design Significant persons : Paul Cockburn : designer David Dalton : product manager / designer at Eveready Further Reading : 'Of consuming interest' Unnamed author Design World, no 19, 1990, pp 8-9.

HISTORY

Notes

This design model was used by the donor/designer to test the appearance and record the design process of the second generation Dolphin torch.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Design Field Pty Ltd, 1991

Acquisition Date

14 November 1991

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