Idea Development

First I created a Mind Map:

Below are the moodboards created for 8 different titles to do with the Mini Cooper project:

1. The Mini and the Celebrity

Throughout history, the Mini Cooper car has been an icon and loved by all, common man and celebrity alike. The most famous people to have owned a Mini as depicted in the above moodboard: Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean), Mick Jagger, Enzo Ferrari, Steve McQueen and The Beatles.

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2. Economic Environment

Generally, during 1960s the economic state was relatively stable. Living wages were relatively high and the 60s had many years of full employment as global inflation was low and the standard of life was higher.

People had more money to spend on things like music and fashion but most people still chose to use public transport over private mobiles. Mostly, although the economic environment was peaceful in Britain, it was still easier and cheaper to buy things from overseas as Japan, Germany and the USA were hard opponents to beat when it came to mechanics and vehicles.

The campain 'Buy British' was especially prominent during the 60s and with the increase in fuel prices, it was no wonder why the Mini Cooper was such a big hit; not only was it something Britian had to be proud of, but it was also affordable.

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3. Mini and Fashion

Certainly, the Mini car could almost be considered a fashion accessory of the 60s. It reflected the fun colourful mood of that period of time, with the invention of the still well loved Mini skirt design and many many funky coloured patterns, the Mini car portrayed the British symbolism and excitment that their owners did.

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4. 60s London

During the 'Swinging Sixties' was a time driven by the youths of London. There was a heavy emphasis on modernity and freedom. The entertainment and fashion industries flourished with legendary band The Beatles, Mary Quaint's mini skirt invention, famous shopping districts, sexual liberation and the psychedelic subculture.

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5. Le Mans Racing

The 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 28th 24 Hours of Le Mans Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on 25 and 26 June 1960, on Circuit De La Sarthe. It was the fifth and final round of the F.I.A. World Sports Car Championships. The main duel was between the 3litre Ferrari and 2ltr Porsche and drew in 200,000 spectators. Although through torrential rain, the Ferrari had a big lead, but the Aston Martin of the Scottish Border Reivers team ended up placing first.

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6. Monte Carlos

The Monte Carlos Rally is a yearly race managed by Automobile De Monaco, the rally was originally intented to showcase the improvements and innovations of cars every year and to promote Monaco as a tourist resort on the Meditteranean shore. The Mini Cooper car won the Monte Carlos Race in 1964, 1965, 1967 respectively due to its small build, ergonomic wheel and motor design.

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7. 60s Psychedelic

The Psychedelic subculture was a popular theme during the 1960s that typicaly portrayed bright warm tones and warping patterns similar to those described when psychoactive substances taken. Psychedelic art was generated by those who took the drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms, the art is usually highly distorted, surreal lights andbright colours. Similarly, psychedelic music uses distorted guitar, electronic effects and reverb.

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8. History of the Mini Design Shape

The iconic two doored car, was first designed by Alec Issigonis who later recieved an award for his invention. It used a watercooled engine that was mounted transversely, engine oil lubricated, four speed transmission in the slump and four wheeled drive. A later version, the Mini Cooper S series created for the Monte Carlos race had a modified engine and wheel design and designed with the signiture John Cooper touch.

In 1994, the luxury motorvehicle group BMW bought the Mini design but then sold most of it off by 2000, however still retaining the rights to use the name.