Barber’s comb with spirit level
This barber’s comb was designed by Jonathan Ive (1967 – ) a few years before he joined Apple. An example of Ive’s earlier industrial design work, it demonstrates the designer’s consideration of and solutions to the object’s visual, haptic, ergonomic, practical and symbolic form.
The comb’s lightweight construction is made possible by two plastic casing components which form a hollow rigid handle. The part lines are located at the transition from elliptical side to the low profile face, reducing the visual and physical impact of the join. The handle’s graduated volume affords a comfortable grip. A spirit level within the handle indicates when the comb is being held horizontally, ensuring the perfect execution of a flat top haircut. These elements combine within this simple device for an inviting and effortless operation.
Jonathan Ive trained in industrial design and co-founded the London partnership Tangerine in 1990. He was seduced by the possibilities of designing products for Apple and joined them in 1992. Ive found a like mind with Steve Jobs’ return to Apple in 1996 and they forged a partnership that steered Apple from being a computer manufacturer into a consumer electronics company that understood and applied great design.
The comb received the German Industrie Forum award in 1991.
