Mar 2023 - May 2023 | 6 weeks
Coola Mini Fan
Keep cool at home or on the go using the Coola Mini Fan. Its sleek, minimalistic appearance adds a touch of style to any setting. Users have the flexibility to hang the fan on a wall or prop it up on a table.
Design Research
3D CAD Modeling
Prototyping
Project Type /
University Individual Project
Brief
Using reverse engineering, redesign a small electric or battery-operated household device/appliance.
Awards
May 2023: Best Small Home Appliance Renders & Model
Researching Mini Fans on the Market
Opportunity Map
Finding New Innovations
By creating an opportunity map, I found areas that were not fully discovered by the mini fan market, such as portable and easy-to-clean blades.
Task Analysis
Testing Holmes Mini Fan
I conducted user research to find pain points and design opportunities from an existing mini fan on the market.
01.
Hard to Clean
Mini fans can accumulate dust and debris over time, which can affect their performance. Cleaning the blades can be difficult, especially if they are hidden behind the fan’s grills.
02.
Not Multipurpose
The Holmes Mini Fan is not designed for multipurpose use. It is restricted to sitting on a table. It can not hang on a wall or wrap around other objects.
03.
Limited Portability
The Holmes Mini Fan is not designed for on the go use. There are no handles or hooks for users to carry the fans around.
04.
Poor Ergonomics
The Holmes Mini Fans is uncomfortable to hold and carry around due to the front and back grills.
05.
Poor Stability
The Holmes Mini Fan is not very stable and tips over.
General Pain Points
Reverse Engineering
Understanding Structure and Internals
To understand how the Holmes Mini Fan operated, I took apart the product and looked at the components inside.
Bill of Materials
Holmes Mini Fan
Volumetric (Side View)
Holmes Mini Fan
I created a volumetric drawing for the side view of the Holmes Mini Fan to illustrate how the fan looks from that angle, and how different parts of the structure relate to each other. I also wanted to understand the location and dimensions of the internal components inside the mini fan.
“I will design a mini fan that is easy to clean, highly portable, ergonomic, stable, and multipurpose so people can use it in many different settings.”
Moodboard
Form & Aesthetic Inspiration
I planned to create a mini fan that had a sleek, retro style with a minimal and compact form. To go along with the retro theme, I wanted the fan to feature a limited and monotone color palette.
Ideation Sketches
Form Exploration
These ideation sketches are based on the idea of creating a multipurpose fan that can be used in lots of different settings.
Developing Final Design
Figuring Out Final Details
Throughout the refinement process, I focused on reducing the mass and simplifying the strap to retain the minimalistic aspect. I decided to make the blades out of ribbons to fit the retro theme. To make cleaning easier, I removed the grills and placed the fan blades out in the open. I also went for a simple, neutral look.
Prototyping Final Model
Coola Mini Fan
To build the full-scale prototype, I 3D printed the pieces for the mini fan. Then, I covered the pieces with spot putty and sprayed filler primer. I spray painted the pieces with dark and light gray spray paint. Afterward, I cut out the ribbons and the strap. I printed out the logo and symbols on sticker paper and attached it to the strap and speed indicator plate. Finally, I placed in all my internal components and assembled the mini fan together.
Inside the Mini Fan
Section Cut
Exploded View
Manufacturing Process
Injection molding ABS plastic for all plastic parts. EVA foam, ribbons, and internals will be outsourced and attached separately.
Chill In Style
The Retro Look: Red, White, & Black
Wireless & Portable
With a lithium-ion battery, users charge the mini fan with a micro USB power cord. When it is fully charged, users can unplug the cable from the fan and bring the mini fan anywhere they go.
