Basic HTML Version
Did You Know?
50 ~ FireFlyz
Ever Think About It?
Have you ever really thought about the design of the objects we use
everyday? You probably do not usually catch yourself pondering the origin
of your ballpoint pen or shoes when you are trying to write a message or
are getting ready to go out.
T
he
fact is that you are not suppose to; these everyday
objects have beenmeticulously designed towork so
well that younever have tonotice them- that iswhat
gooddesign is all about. Fireflyz looks at some of these
objects that no one gives a second thought about.
SwissArmyKnife
Year Invented: 1890 | Designer:Wester&Co.
The Schweiser Officersmesser (or the Swiss Army Knife as
United States soldiers called it duringWorldWar II, because
they could not pronounce the German name), was designed
byWest &Co. for the Swiss Army. The knifewas designed to
open food containers and disassemble rifles, among other
uses. The original knife had a blade, reamer, can opener,
and screwdriver. In 1891, Elsener took over production of
themodel. His company, Victorinox, is the producer of the
classic Swiss Army Knife that is seen today.
Q-Tip
Year invented: 1920
Designer: LeoGerstenzang
Leo Gerstenzang invented the
cotton swab, or as it ismost
commonly referred to, the Q-tip,
by sticking cotton balls on either
end of a toothpick. Gerstenzang
originally named his design
“Baby Gays,” but it was renamed
andmarketed as the “Q-Tip” (the
Q stands for quality).
RedTelephoneBox
Year invented: 1920 | Designer: Sir GilesGilbert Scott
These red telephone boxes which are scattered around the
United Kingdomhave become one of themany iconic symbols
of England. The first standard telephone kioskwas introduced
in 1920. Because of widespread dissatisfactionwith the original
design, the LondonMetropolitan Borough Joint Standing
Committee organised a competition to find amore appealing
design. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott won the competition, and the post
office chose to produce it in steel and paint it red.