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.

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.

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

Design model, Eveready 'Dolphin Mk2' 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.

Designed: Design Field Pty Ltd; Sydney; 1972

Text moulded into the plastic in the recesses reads 'Dolphin MKII'.

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1972

115 mm

95 mm

190 mm