This design model records the design process for the third generation of the Eveready Dolphin torch. It was designed by Paul Cockburn of Design Field, Sydney, in 1988.

In 1965 Eveready in the USA designed and manufactured the first Dolphin torch - a large torch for world sales. It did well, but in 1972 Eveready's Australian arm redesigned the torch for Australian conditions, using an Australian design company. The new torch had to be shock resistant and waterproof. The designer Paul Cockburn of Design Field in Sydney 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 this even uglier, high-tech styled Dolphin Mark III.

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 for the third generation of the Eveready Dolphin torch. It was designed by Paul Cockburn of Design Field, Sydney, in 1988.

Significant organisations :
Eveready Australia Pty Ltd : marketing
Design Field : design
Sonca Hong Kong : manufacture

Significant persons :
Paul Cockburn : designer
David Dalton : product manager / designer at Eveready

Australian Registered Design AU 106535 S
Application 198901664

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 alternative designs and record the design process of the torch.

In 1966 Eveready in the USA designed and manufactured the first Dolphin torch - a large torch for world sales. It did well, but in 1973 Eveready's Australian arm redesigned the torch for Australian conditions, using an Australian design company. The new torch had to be shock resistant and waterproof. Paul Cockburn of Design Field in Sydney 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 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 block model, Eveready 'Dolphin Mk3' torch, plastic / metal, designed by Paul Cockburn, made by Design Field Pty Ltd, Australia, 1988

A design block model for battery operated torch made from red and black plastic. The torch has a rectangular body and a square head that is set at an angle. Inside the head there is a light globe that is surrounded by silver reflective material and covered by a panel of clear plastic. There is a round, plastic red button on the top of the model and a handle that runs parallel to the body of the torch. A rectangular recess on either side of the model contains a brand name.

Designed: Design Field Pty Ltd; Sydney; 1988

Text in the rectangular recesses reads 'EVEREADY Dolphin'.

91/1315

1988

130 mm

130 mm

190 mm