POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Scholl arch supports

Object No. 2005/99/1

The Scholl arch supports are designed to provide support to fallen arches and to provide shock absorption to the heel area, longitudinal arch and metatarsal areas. It is the first commercially available orthotic that can be tailored to the user with an adjustable insert system. Each gel arch support has three kidney-shaped support inserts which vary in hardness, density and elastic properties to meet therapeutic requirements. This feature allows the user to personalise each arch support and adjust the level of support over time. The product is a highly aesthetic, stylish and functional alternative to the traditional, mundane appearance of standard orthotics. This product was the recipient of many awards: it won an Australian Design Award, the Powerhouse Museum Selection, and the Design Institute of Australia - Industrial Design Award in 2004. The arch supports are made from a thermoplastic elastomer, a type of plastic which combines the processing benefits of thermoplastic with the softness of rubber. This material is easier to process and more stable than traditional silicone-based elastomers. It can be injection moulded in one step and does not require a catalyst. The designers worked closely with the manufacturers and polymer suppliers to develop the manufacturing process for the product.

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Summary

Object Statement

Scholl arch supports (2) with inserts (6) and packaging, thermoplastic elastomer / cardboard / plastic, designed by Bayly Design Associates Pty Ltd, Blackburn, Victoria, Australia, made by SSL Australia Pty Ltd, Australia, 2003-2004

Physical Description

Scholl arch supports (2), with inserts (6) and packaging, thermoplastic elastomer / cardboard / plastic, designed by Bayly Design Associates Pty Ltd, Blackburn, Victoria, Australia, made by SSL Australia Pty Ltd, Australia, 2003-2004 Consists of a pair of clear flexible plastic foot arch supports and three pairs of kidney-shaped support inserts. The three pairs of support inserts vary in hardness and colour. The pair of green support inserts are stamped with the word 'soft', the blue pair with the word 'medium' and the red pair with the word 'firm'. The supports and inserts come complete with retail packaging consisting of a cardboard box with product information on all sides.

PRODUCTION

Notes

The Scholl Arch Supports are designed to provide support to fallen arches and to provide shock absorption to the rest of the feet. The user can adjust the level of support required by changing the insert. This allows the user to personalise each arch support and modify it over time. The Scholl arch supports were designed by Bayly Design Associates, Blackburn, Victoria, Australia. SSL Australia first approached Bayly Design to design a soft gel arch support in February 2002. The product was injection moulded by SSL Australia from polymer supplied by Kraton Polymers. The plastic material used is a thermoplastic elastomer consisting of a mix of SEBS (styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymer), polypropylene, and a food grade white oil.

HISTORY

Notes

The product won an Australian Design Award for 2004 and also received the Powerhouse Museum Selection and the Design Institute of Australia - Industrial Design Award in 2004. Over 200 products were entered in the 2004 Australian Design Awards. The judging panel recommended 61 of these products receive an Australian Design Mark and 21 of these products for an Australian Design Award. The 21 products receiving the Australian Design Award were announced at a dinner and awards ceremony on 23rd April 2004 at Sydney Town Hall. At this ceremony the Powerhouse Museum Director announced the recipients of the fifteen Powerhouse Museum Selection awards for 2004. One of this pair of arch supports and inserts was displayed in the 2004 Australian Design Awards exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum from July 2004 to June 2005. The arch supports have not been used.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Bayly Design and Associates, 2005

Acquisition Date

30 March 2005

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