Trolli
Trolli is a home fan redefined for all seasons, driven by a Minimalists lifestyle. The premise of this project was to design and create a working fan prototype only using natural materials. This project focuses on understanding the value of minimalism through research and ideation, as well as building out a full-scale working prototype.
[14 weeks / 2019 / Under guidance of Leonard Wozniak]
Industrial Design / Prototyping / Mockup Making
PROBLEM
Image source: Naver blog
A fan is not useful for 365 days
When summer ends and the weather changes, the fan is put somewhere dark and dusty place, doing nothing but taking up space. How can we make it valuable for minimalists to use?
USER STUDY
Understanding “Minimalists”
[I surveyed 20 people asking about their definition of “Minimalism”.]
I started research with understanding the value of minimalism by conducting a survey and interviews. To observe their lifestyle closely, I watched the documentary film ‘Minimalism’, Matt D'Avella. Then I brainstormed values that I could create by designing a new fan and studied other multi-functional products to get insights.
“Every possession serves a purpose, or bings me joy.”
— Joshua Fields Millburn, the minimalist
IDEATION
Sketch models
Sketching on papers and making paper models three-dimensionally, I explored different ideas of a fan that is different than a typical fan. I played with making mini mockups to generate ideas clearly.
MOCKUP
↑ Testing concepts through 1:1 mockups (Click to view)
DIRECTION
Design a fan that gives multiple values regardless of the season.
FINAL DESIGN
A Fan.
For summer time, it provides its essential function as a fan with three power levels. The placement of the rotary switch makes it easy to reach and creates its simple aesthetic.
A Side Table.
During winter, transform it into a side table, by adjusting the angle of the fan.
A Rolling Storage.
The storage contains a warm blanket, magazines, or any stuff on the table when you want to use ‘Trolli’ as a fan. Four wheels on the bottom give better control for users to move around the fan, for example when they clean the floor.
[Work exhibited at ArtCenter student gallery, Fall 2019]
MAKING OF