Key tags by Marbig
Object No. 2006/28/1
The Marbig key tags were designed by Nielsen Design Associates at Hunters Hill in 2002 for ACCO Australia. They were a redesign of the older rectangular-shaped Marbig key tags. The main aims of the redesign were to achieve cost reduction in the manufacturing process while also updating the visual appeal and function of the traditional key tag. These aims were achieved by reducing the bulkiness of the product, creating a contemporary oval form while also minimising the use of materials. A new type of hinge was developed to integrate with the new form. The key tags are an example of a small project undertaken by Nielsen Design Associates, and contrasts to their more complex design projects such as the Betacheck blood glucose meter. While the key tags are a simple utilitarian object they are the result of a creative development process. They represent the diversity of work undertaken by Nielsen Design Associates, one of Sydney's oldest industrial design studios, and indicate the success that Nielsen have had in using design to improve the efficiency of manufacture.
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Summary
Object Statement
Key tags (6), Marbig brand, plastic / metal, designed by Nielsen Design Associates, Hunters Hill, New South Wales, Australia, 2002, made by ACCO Australia, Botany, New South Wales, Australia, 2005
Physical Description
Six oval shaped plastic key tags with metal split rings. Each tag is a different coloured plastic: blue, green, red, orange, yellow and clear. The plastic is embossed with the company logo. Each tag contains a small paper label, also bearing the company logo.
DIMENSIONS
Height
25 mm
Width
68 mm
Depth
33 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The Marbig key tags were designed by Nielsen Design Associates at Hunters Hill in 2002 for ACCO Australia and made in 2005. They were a redesign of the older rectangular-shaped Marbig key tags. The main aims of the redesign were to achieve cost reduction in the manufacturing process while also updating the visual appeal and function of the traditional key tag. These aims were achieved by reducing the bulkiness of the product, creating a contemporary oval form while also minimising the use of materials. A new type of hinge was developed to integrate with the new form.
HISTORY
Notes
The key tags were displayed in the exhibition 'Sydney Designers Unplugged: People, Process, Product' from 6 August to 9 October 2005. Nielsen Design Associates, established by Carl Nielsen in 1961, was one of the first industrial design consulting businesses in Sydney. In 1985 Carl's first employee David Wood, became a director of the group along with senior designers Sandy McNeil and Adam Laws. David and Sandy are the group's current directors. From a studio in Hunters Hill, Nielsen's ten designers develop products for a broad range of industries, from telecommunications to medical devices. About half their work is for clients outside Australia, mainly in Europe and Asia.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of ACCO Australia, 2006
Acquisition Date
6 March 2006
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