Artefact Inspection
*work in progress*
components of the mixer gift set.. things we noticed. things that inspired our research questions and direction.
The artefact studied is a food mixer made in 1966 by General Electric in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. It's made of three materials, which are rubber, hard plastic, and metal. When you pick it up, it feels medium-weight and is well-made, with careful attention to its shape, color, and design details. Product
The package contains the mixer, beaters, whipping disc, manual and warranty. When you look at the packaging, the first thing you notice are the neutral pastel colors, which are yellow, beige, and blue, most likely targeted at women, as these colors are often associated with a soft, calm, and elegant aesthetic. The titles on the box use three different fonts and the GE logo appears on every side, which is unusual compared to modern packaging. This was likely due to ensuring brand visibility from all angles, making it recognizable even when displayed on store shelves or in a home setting. The packaging is intended for a gift display, either in a store or at home. This is evident from the big title “Gift Set” at the front and the pop-up on the back, which acts like an easel, allowing the box to stand up and be showcased.
Components
The manual is sectioned into two languages, English and French, making it accessible to a wider audience. It contains important information such as safety, instructions on how to use the product, and a selection of quick-to-make Western recipes.
Observations
Guiding Questions
Note: Model M7A is one variation of its product range that is only found to differ from other models of the same design by feature and voltage capacity. Our approach to researching this artefact has, then, investigated the physicality of this range of mixers, its social and design connotations, and the society it was introduced into, among other aspects. Majority of the information found online and in archival matter concerns models M7A and M47.
It's made of rubber, hard plastic, and metal. When you pick it up, it feels medium-weight and is well-made, with careful attention to its shape, colour, and design details. The M7 Gift Mixer set was made in 1966 by General Electric in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.