Window Air Conditioner Redesign
Research
For this project, we needed to find a window AC unit with various pain points and redesign it.
I chose a Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner because of the following pain points: uncommunicative interface, hard to clean vents and filter, and it is unpleasing to look at from the outside.
Ideation
For my ideation process, I sketched various ideas for how to make the AC more stable, how to make the outside more appealing to the eye, and how to easily clean the filters.
Further Development
From my sketches, I went into Adobe Illustrator to get a better understanding of two ideas for the filter removal system.
From the two ideas I went ahead with the render on the right because it would have less probability of failure.
I also experimented with different interfaces for each concept, trying to make it easier to read.
Final Concept
The final version of the redesign includes a pleasant exterior and interior with an easier interface and filter maintenance.
The rounded design on the exterior also allows for snow to easily fall off.
The rubber button control allows for physical feedback for when a person is pressing button also with inscribed light up letters allowing for a person to see it better.
Air Distribution and Exploded View
As shown below, each material and placement for the AC, and how the air is distributed when on.
Filter Cleaning Process
To clean the filters, a consumer simply presses on the side tabs and releases both the front of the vent and the filter behind it, and take it to the sink to rinse.
