Portable Drinks Cooler Project
6 week project
Spring 2020
All Hydroflask logos and images belong to Hydroflask. Colours used are derived from their own range of products.
the brief
Design an outdoors portable drinks cooler based on a working prototype bought to you by a client. This must be suitable for either the hiking, camping or sailing markets.
the project aim
To develop skills in taking a client’s prototype and reworking it to be a commercial product by working through an iterative design process. The aim is to design a functional product that appeals to the chosen market and follows an appropriate aesthetic.
market and branding
persona
mood board
Market research, brand research, visual research and user research was conducted in order to identify which of the given outdoor markets was most suitable.
Hiking was decided with a focus on the young adults and luxury market, using the popular HydroFlask brand as a design basis. HydroFlask offers unique design features as well as a large range of similar liquid holding products. The brand is also popular amongst young people and has strong sustainability ties.
design development
Various design avenues in development were considered before choosing one to refine and engineer into the final design. A focus on brand values and rules combined with functionality and creativity was considered.
concept fog
family/group concept for social gatherings and sport
concept hibiscus
compact concept for travelling
concept lilac
the simple hiker concept
Developing ‘concept hibiscus’.
Aesthetic and form detail refinement design. Focus on the venting and overall details.
Engineering and function refinement design. Focus on component placing and functionality of cooling.
final design
The final design was developed in Solidworks and rendered in KeyShot.
how it works
how it works
how it works
engineering engineering engineering
Designed to be compact and within the style of HydroFlask’s signature bottles, the HydroCooler took the technology of the prototype and reduced this to take up as little room as possible. Made to fit into rucksack side pockets, features such as TPE rubber trim ensures that it is protected against the elements. Visual characteristics include a play on HydroFlasks logos and official colours.
