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David Constantine – Motivation – Multisport Wheelchair |
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| Why can David Constantine and his company Motivation, be regarded as setting a trend? |
| David Constantine and ‘Motivation’, can be regarded as trend setting for a number of reasons. They emphasise the importance of sustainable manufacturing, in the production of their affordable wheelchairs, in developing countries. They were the first to work closely with the World Health Organisation, designing and manufacturing personalised wheelchairs, in areas of the world with few resources. Their first sports wheelchair (‘Flying Start’), was an affordable competition wheel chair and it was used in the London Paralympic Games of 2012. It allowed disabled people from the developing world, to aspire to become athletes, competing on an equal footing, with those athletes from more affluent countries. Their wheelchairs, showed that it was possible to manufacture a quality product, from sustainable materials, with a local workforce and with a low carbon footprint. All at a time of increased globalisation. Motivation’s environmental credentials, combined with their charitable status/aims, sets a high ‘moral’ standard for other companies to follow. Motivation take a ‘holistic approach’, as they provide wheelchairs and the necessary support and training, helping disabled people to work and live on equal terms, in society and the business world. All profits generated by Motivation, are put back into their charitable work. |
| Why is the Multisports Wheelchair regarded as an iconic design? Why was it so influential? |
The multisport wheelchair, was the first truly affordable sports wheelchair and it inspired other designers / manufacturers to follow suit. The simplicity of design, it’s functionality and affordability, set a high bench mark, that other designers try to meet. When compared to wheelchairs manufactured by other ‘specialist’ companies, this affordable wheelchair, has the same key functions. Motivation have manufactured a high quality product, at the fraction of the price of it’s competitors. Further to this, they have strived to use sustainable, local materials, helping to provide local employment, in developing countries. The ethical and charitable stance of Motivation, coupled with their determination to empower disabled people, sets their wheelchair apart, from many other companies, manufacturing similar products. |
| CRITERIA USED TO DEFINE ICONIC DESIGN |
| A simplified criteria, which may help describe or determine which designs are iconic, is written below. Some or all of these points, can be applied to iconic designs. |
| A design that sets a bench mark for others to follow. A ground breaking design, in terms of its technology or manufacturing techniques used during its production. A design that improves on the past. A design that sets new standards in terms of quality, functions/features or style. A design that stands the test of time, remaining popular despite the passing of years. A design that stays in the memory of those who see/use it. A design that is often recognised immediately by consumers. A design that inspires other designers. Sets a trend. A design that is innovative. A design that is aesthetically pleasing. A design that is often emulated/copied by other designers. A design that has its place in history, or even helps change history. |
| Other international iconic designs include; the iPhone, Harley Davidson motorbikes, Rolls Royce cars, OXO Cubes, Hovercraft, Sony Personal Stereo, Jumbo Jet, Concorde, Harrier Jump Jet and many more. |
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