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Design Brief

The goal of this design project was to reverse engineer a motorized household item in a way that makes it better based on actionable insights discovered through research and user interviews. Improving the sustainability factor as well as the user experience was also an important factor in this project. I chose to redesign a pedestal fan in a new, innovative, and sustainable way.

Problem

Solution

Design a next generation pedestal fan that improves upon all actionable insights found through research

Pedestal/standing fans are outdated, inefficient, take up storage space, and most likely end up in a land fill after a few years.

Users getting electrocuted is also a cause for concern but this is a known risk when using a product with a power cord

Dust build up is the most common catalyst for fan malfunction because

Overheating + Dust build up = Fire

What are some common safety concerns with the product?

Safety

New fans sold every year

Portable fans in the world

Research

What is a pedestal fan?

  • A fan that stands at about 3' tall

  • Pole for adjustable height

  • Oscillate back and forth

  • Generate Wind

Where is a pedestal fan used?

Where is a pedestal fan used?

  • Bedrooms

  • Apartments

  • Dorms

  • Rooms without A/C

  • Small Businesses

  • Warehouses

How does a pedestal fan work?

The fan has variable speeds and oscillates using a four bar mechanism

Power Cord

Electric Motor

Gearing

Fan Blade

Oscillation

Market Competitors

Rowenta

Pelonis

Amazon Basics

Lasko

Hurricane

Honeywell

Black & Decker

Price Range:

$30-120

Features:

Oscillation, Variable speed control, Timer shut-off, Silent Mode, Remote control

Environmental Impact

User Experience

Interviews

Questions for pedestal fan users to better understand the product

  • Where do you store your fan when not in use?

    • Does it bother you how much space it take up?​

  • What are some features your current fan lacks that you wish your fan had?

  • What is the most you would pay for a stand fan?

  • Is sustainability important to you when purchasing a fan of this nature?

  • Do you sleep with your fan on?

"I don't like the way my fan looks, I wish I had one with a more modern aesthetic"

- Ben B. 22, Male

"My fan takes up way too much space in my closet when I'm not using it, which is most of the year"

- Lola L. 20, Female

Survey Data

Do you care about the aesthetic of your fan?

Has your fan ever broke/been replaced?

Which room is your fan most commonly used in?

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User Contact Points

Remote Control

Operation Buttons

Adjust Height

Actionable Insights

1. Aesthetic

2. Sustainability

3. Storability

Exploded view

To understand the product and its functionality better, I did a product tear down. I disassembled every last component of my own Lasko Oscillating Stand Fan and labeled each component and its material. I found that the majority of the fan was made of polypropylene as well as a few metal components.

*exploded view diagram retrieved from 

https://www.lasko.com/wpcontent/uploads/2019/03/S16612_Lasko_16inch_Pedestal_Fan_with_Remote_User_Manual.pdf

Inspiration

I drew inspiration for my product design largely from nature, but more specifically the Lily Impeller (as pictured above). 

Jay Harman & the Lily Impeller

When I was researching biomimicry and trying to find a fan in nature that I could imitate for my design, I came across the Lily Impeller, designed by Jay Harman over the course of 20 years

Jay Harman designed the Lily Impeller for the purpose of a boat propeller, originally. This design at only 6 inches tall can circulate millions of gallons of water and is currently used in water tanks around the world. The nature of this design is much more efficient, so I decided to use it in my design to save energy with a low-power motor.

Ideation

Development

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Model

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