In honor of the eight track, here are a few fun facts about the gone, but certainly not forgotten, technology:

• William Powell Lear, the man behind LearJet, was also the inventor of the eight track cartridge tape system.
• All 1966 Fords offered a factory installed, in-dash eight track player.
• Eight tracks were the preeminent portable and car audio format of the 1970s.
• Record clubs, like Columbia House, offered eight track tapes well into the 1980s.
• Madonna’s early albums, as well as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” were offered to Columbia House club members on eight track!

So, today, while you’re cranking up your iPod, satellite or iHeart radio, say a silent “thank you” to the eight track tape!

The post A Look Back at the Eight Track appeared first on Davison.

With Walmart’s “Get on the Shelf” competition underway, we want to make sure we’re throwing all of our support behind the great Davison-designed pet products entered by Hugs Pet Products, an innovative pet product company that has licensed several products designed by our clients!

Round one of “Get on the Shelf” voting is going on now through April 3, 2012.  After round one, the 10 contestants with the most votes will enter round two, which runs from April 11, 2012 – April 24, 2012.

The top vote-getter in the second round will win the grand prize, the opportunity to sell on Walmart.com and in select Walmart stores across the U.S.!

So, let’s show our support to Hugs Pet Products and our favorite Davison designs!

Here’s how you can vote:

(1.)  Visit the “Get on the Shelf” site, watch the videos and vote via Facebook.
(2.)  Vote via text to 383838 (More details below!).

Pugz Boots:  TEXT 32 to 383838 or visit http://www.getontheshelf.com/product/32/Pugz-Shoes

Better Tether:  TEXT 38 to 383838 or http://www.getontheshelf.com/product/38/Better-Tether

Auto Dish:  TEXT 39 to 383838 or visit http://www.getontheshelf.com/product/39/Auto-Dish 

Dog Wash:  TEXT 40 to 383838 or visit http://www.getontheshelf.com/product/40/Dog-Wash

Hydro Bone:  TEXT 41 to 383838 or visit http://www.getontheshelf.com/product/41/Hydro-Bone

Hydro Ball:  TEXT 42 to 383838 or visit http://www.getontheshelf.com/product/42/Hydro-Ball

Hydro Saucer:  TEXT 43 to 383838 or visit http://www.getontheshelf.com/product/43/Hydro-Saucer

Cool Cot:  TEXT 1097 to 383838 or visit http://www.getontheshelf.com/product/1097/Cool-Cot

You can vote once a day per product; so, be sure to vote often and ask your friends, family and fellow pet lovers to do the same!

A typical client project is not licensed, sold in stores or profitable.

The post Help More Davison Designs “Get on the Shelf!” appeared first on Davison.

While technology and popular media may have us believing that Apple’s iPhone is an invention we simply can’t live without, experts say there are much more elementary items that may be far more influential.  Those items include elastic bands, bubble wrap and, oh, yes… the paper clip.

In fact, scientists have said that it’s the items that cost mere pennies that we would be lost without.  They may not be as celebrated as the latest SmartPhone, PC tablet or other fancy gadgets, but have you ever used your iPhone to keep your desk clean?! 

According to Hi-Cone Director Ton Hoppenbrouwers, it’s the simple little inventions that are the “hidden heroes.”

“Whether the products hang our clothes, make tea or hold a six-pack, they are indispensable to consumers… They are design classics, which do their job brilliantly,” said Hoppenbrouwers.

By the way, Hi-Cone is the maker of those plastic ring carriers that ever-so-faithfully hold together your six-packs of beer and soda!

Also according to Hoppenbrouwers, like the evolution of the cell phone, these seemingly elementary inventions do evolve to meet society’s changing needs.

“Yes, they evolve to meet changing needs, but they do not change dramatically,” said Hoppenbrouwers.

Think tea bag and K-cup, pencil and mechanical pencil…  and for the day, appreciate the simple things around you, like your light bulbs, pencils and bubble wrap.  But, please, don’t try to play Words With Friends with your paper clips!  

Read more about the simple things we just couldn’t live without here!

The post Can’t Live Without… My Paper Clip?! appeared first on Davison.