SALT-LIFE
PREMIUM
COOLER
In the spring of 2016 Salt-Life approached Auburn University's Industrial Design department to design a new line of coolers for the premium cooler market. What they wanted from Auburn was a cooler that had the same performance as a Yeti cooler but was half the weight. They are trying to break into the cooler market with revolutionary design and performance.
Research
Phase I
During initial research we looked at a lot of variables including Color, weight, durability, thermal conductivity, and Ergonomics. This was a class wide research phase that had all hands on deck and we had multiple research teams that worked together and shared information in front of the entire class. Surprisingly enough we found that people don’t pay much attention to the ability to hold ice as they do the actual size and weight of a cooler.
This is just some of the basic research we did about the premium cooler market.
During phase I, we "shot gunned" ideas. This included many concepts, from latch systems and accessories to full cooler designs and marketing strategies that could be applied. We kept in mind what the client wanted, lighter with the same performance.
Phase II
Final Design
Phase II focused a lot on form development and I began to experiment with handle angle and potential powered cooler. This is where I first experimented with the idea of a inflatable cooler.
During early prototyping I utilized a CNC mill as well as 3D printing to produce 2 early prototypes that were wildly successful.
ALEX
RONN
DESIGN
Final model Given to saltlife for their engineers to study for potential.
To show scale the yeti on the right is a Yeti 20
The Scale on the front fasteners would have to be bumped up but this image shows the ease of use while fastening the top of the cooler down.
Final model Given to saltlife for their engineers to study for potential.
Front view of the cooler in solidworks 3D modeling software
Highlighting the uniqueness of the front fasteners
Front view of the cooler in solidworks 3D modeling software
The client saw merit in the peltier device and wanted me to develope it further. The research team also pointed to wrist positioning as an important fact to carrying the cooler, thus movable handles.
Another feature that we discovered in the focus group was to make the cooler available to cater to parties. The lid on Prototype 1 rotates back and lays flush with the cooler to allow to stay open.
Early renderings.
The client saw merit in the peltier device and wanted me to develope it further. The research team also pointed to wrist positioning as an important fact to carrying the cooler, thus movable handles.
overcoming the weight of a full cooler with the use of longer straps.
Holds tanks/ fishing rods, charges phones, and collects beer caps.
Hydraulically lifted cooler.
overcoming the weight of a full cooler with the use of longer straps.
Used to locate heat leaks and see how external forces work on coolers
Color preferences during the focus group
Used to locate heat leaks and see how external forces work on coolers