prototyping - round 1

I did some prototyping of some parts of the modular dorm system (or mini-kitchen) concept. Here's some pictures of the system without any modules.








It might be cool if the rails (or other potential connector elements) were modules, rather than integrated like they are in this prototype. Maybe they could slide up and down on tracks for infinitely adjustable shelves.






Lots of people complained about not being able to fit large items, particularly tall drink bottles. Here, you can move the half-trays to make room for tall items.







You can use the trays like drawers to help you see and access the deep spaces of the fridge.





Or you can pull them out of the fridge.




The trays fit into the platform or shelf unit. Ideally, you could also attach them to the sides of the fridge, platform and other things.




An important aspect of this design is that the modules (e.g. shelf, tray, counter, bin) can attach to various parts in various ways. I wanted the connectors to be non-proprietary in the sense that they can easily be used with items not designed for the system. The rails are great because if they are not being used to connect modules, you can use them for hanging your own items. Practically, the rail may not be the best, as far as cost, manufacturing, structural integrity, etc. But it does capture a nice detail of the open-source system I have in mind. I really like the idea of a dorm system you can personalize (design) yourself. Of course, it should come with ready-made solutions in case you just wanna be a consumer.





I had to use tape to hold up the half-trays to get this configuration. If you could cheaply engineer a system that easily configures in these type of ways, I think it would be useful. It also allows people to creatively design their own optimal fridge configurations, something several interviewees described as an enjoyable activity.

The baggies in the door are held in place by netting attached to the door.





You can attach the half-trays and door bins inside the door to design your own door config.




This netting is good for holding small, loose items. It also doesn't take up any space when not in use, and doesn't get in the way of other modules. You could put it on the bottom of the shelves for a similar effect.



And you can of course hang your own containers from the rails. You could design a whole series of cool hanging tupperwares, jars and other containers.







Again, you can pull all the modules out of the fridge...





...and attach them to various parts outside the fridge.




This creates space when cooking or preparing a meal. You can also use the countertop modules to create additional workspace.



Even if you keep mostly drinks and snacks in the fridge, the trays are convenient for chilling pop and transporting the cans to the table to hand out to friends. Or if you're partying, you can keep loading up the trays with beer. I also wanted to prototype some modules that were designed with storing cans and bottles in mind.












The platform on top doesn't really convey the entire stacking concept I had in mind. I didn't try and build some of the stacking modules I had in mind, even the simpler ones. I also didn't get to prototype the carts or some of the more exotic modules.

I found the prototyping really forced me to work out the details of the design. As I was thinking about how to build these things, I ran into all sorts of details that seemed like they could make or break the product. I could spend as much time prototyping different tray module as I did prototyping all the various parts above. Even the most basic details, like dimensions, aren't obvious.

It would be great to do some testing. With something relatively simple, like the trays and rails, I could make some high fidelity prototypes and give them to students to try out in their rooms.