Nature loves a vacuum
Innovation is necessary to be able to adapt to changing times and needs. However, while fads may occasionally grip the imagination of society, these are generally transitory — eventually to be discarded and forgotten, or viewed in retrospect with humor and disbelief.
In industrial design, where a sound union of form and function is essential, a premium is placed on both appearance and efficiency. A device should not just look good; it should adequately serve its technological purpose as well. Furthermore, in our time of heightened ecological awareness, an energy-conscious public requires even more. Large, lumbering systems that need huge amounts of energy are doomed to fail, while sleek, cleverly devised and energy-efficient appliances will most likely earn a considerable market following.
In the case of Electrolux vacuum cleaners, the designs have evolved throughout the years from the original, hefty, 14-kilogram model — called Lux 1 in 1912 — to the compact, ergonomically designed and energy-efficient models that are available today. The current, lightweight models are easy to operate and pose no threat of injury to this generation of users, who are more conscious of hand/wrist injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome. Not surprisingly, the brand is a market leader for vacuum cleaners in the
“Why eschew the old-fashioned broom for a vacuum cleaner?” we asked Dexter Ngo, Electrolux
“In terms of health, using a vacuum cleaner is more sanitary for working people. You don’t get dirty when you clean an area,” says Ngo. He explains that the current generation of vacuum cleaners also filters and effectively reduces allergens and dust particles that tend to float in the air. This thorough manner of cleaning should be good news for asthmatics or respiratory allergy sufferers. Sweeping with a broom, after all, really does tend to stir up dust particles.
Ngo adds that the exodus of domestic helpers for greener pastures abroad has also created a dearth in household help, so that many people have only themselves to rely on for household chores. Happily, an increasing number of people have discovered that this is not a bad thing. With effective, easy-to-operate household appliances from Electrolux, keeping house can be a quick, easy and enjoyable task. The bonus is to find that the cost of the additional electrical consumption is significantly less than the monthly wages and maintenance of a broom-wielding maid.
As an integral part of its design history, it boasts a long list of famous designers that include Peter Behrens, Raymond Loewy, Sixten Sason, Hugo Lindstrom and Christian Klingspor. In 2004, Henrik Otto moved from Volvo cars to become head of global design for Electrolux Group. Electrolux has a long-standing tradition of leading design management in its 88 years of existence.
This means that Electrolux items in your home, like the sturdy vacuum cleaner, might be future collectibles as models that have won design awards. The Electrolux Oxy3system and Ergorapido 2-in-1 Instant vacuum cleaner, for instance, won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2005. Simple, elegant, sleek and efficient, they fit well in today’s homes as examples of an excellent alliance of function and form.
Indeed, one ceases to wonder why Electrolux is a global leader in home and professional appliances. With thoughtfully designed innovations based on extensive consumer insight, they are in tune with the requirements of the present and are able to anticipate future needs. Best of all, they look good and do the job well.
