The most mundane things that you use every day (think post it notes, rubber bands, concrete) often have fascinating stories behind them.
In fact, people often only notice how something's designed when it goes wrong. But the process of discovery, testing and prototyping anything, no matter how ordinary, is full of pitfalls and the occasional exhilarating breakthrough.
Alec Issigonis
How do you go about designing a car that's got to be economical, no longer than 3m in length, yet carry four adults in comfort? That was the challenge facing Alec Issigonis in 1957, when he worked for the British Motor Company. Issigonis answered the brief with the Mini.
The Mini took just two years to go from initial sketch on a napkin to the first model rolling off the production line in October 1959. It employed several clever features to cut down on weight and size. The engine was mounted transversely, a common practice these days but almost unheard of in the 1950s, which meant a shorter bonnet. The gearbox was placed under the engine sump, again shortening the car. A monocoque body removed the need for a separate chassis. Meanwhile, rack and pinion steering, rubber cone suspension and 10" wheels kept cabin intrusions to a minimum while providing responsive handling and, for its time, relatively high comfort levels.
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