Donkey 4 for Isokon Plus
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THE HISTORY Founded by Jack Pritchard in 1935, with the vision of bringing innovative and stylish furniture to Britain’s homes, Isokon soon became a household name within the design community. The name Isokon derives from the term “Isometric Unit Construction” the companies original plan was to create a stylish block of flats within london then design and manufacture the furniture that goes in them, but they soon branched out to soley furntiure and units later on. With the companies success, Pritchard had started to play an active part in various interlinked groups focussed on reform of British design. Pritchard was havily influenced by Bauhaus, not just its style, but it’s ethos and ways of thinking.
THE BRIEF Isokon have been devloping the Donkey since 1932, with 3 Donkeys generations being designed since then. For this project, the breif was develop a forth donkey for the range, which would be fit for todays homes and lifestyles, but still keep the Donkey ethos.
WHY
WHO Outdated
24- 55
No modern functioality
Medium to High income
Not been redeisgned since 2003
Understanding of design and style Knowledge about Isokon heritage
To make it suitable for 21st Century living
WHAT
WHERE Must be suitable for manufacture in Plywood
Living Room
Keep the Donkey ethos
Lounge Area
Be more suitable for modern technology and trends
Home Office or Studio
Be portable
IDEATION + CONCEPT The Donkey 4, or the Audio Donkey, is designed to store records, CDs, Books and electronic devices. From primary research I gathered that Isokon users have some sentimental value for items such as records and casettes, which is what gave me the idea for record storage.
FINAL PROTOTYPE