POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Design model for Opal card ticketing reader

Design model for Opal card ticketing reader

Object No. 2014/105/2

This foam model was used to evaluate the design for the Opal Card reader, a contactless smart card reading device for the Opal card electronic ticketing system for Sydney's public transport. Designed in 3D CAD this model was hand crafted from foam with CNC machined inserts created by designers at the 4design studio in Surry Hills. It was used to communicate the appearance of the reader for approval by the client (Transport for NSW). This object represents the importance of physical prototypes and models in the contemporary design process. It allowed all the parties involved in the project to understand the design in three dimensions, and very little was changed in the final design. This object represents part of the development of an infrastructure project of almost twenty years gestation. The first smart card system for Sydney, the T-card, was announced by the New South Wales Government in 1996. But a series of difficulties including a legal dispute, technical problems and costs led to the project being abandoned in 2007. In 2008 the project was revived and the contract awarded to a new consortium. The first stage of the Opal card rollout commenced in December 2012 and by September 2014 there were more than 800 000 registered Opal cards in use across Sydney trains, ferries and more than half of the buses. The Opal card reader received an Australian International Design Award in 2013 and is an example of excellence in Australian design. It is the result of a collaboration between a local industrial design firm, international technology company and NSW government. This approach adapted existing technology to produce a completely new product suited to local conditions. The contemporary, robust design will be part of the Sydney environment for some time. Angelique Hutchison Curator September 2014

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Summary

Object Statement

Ticketing reader model, 'Opal' system, foam / plastic / timber / plastic, designed and made by 4design, Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2011

Physical Description

Grey rounded column with insert representing LCD panel display for Opal smart card ticketing reader. The model consists of three parts - a stand, reader and lid.

PRODUCTION

Notes

Designed and made by 4design, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW Australia, 2011.

HISTORY

Notes

This foam model was used to evaluate the design for the Opal Card ticketing reader. Designed in 3D CAD it was hand crafted using foam and CNC machined inserts by designers at the 4design studio in Surry Hills. It was used to communicate the appearance of the reader for approval by the client (Transport for NSW).

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Transport for NSW, 2014

Acquisition Date

23 September 2014

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