Design process for concept chosen for IP registration by Havells
Havells Nimbus Kitchen Fan
Havells Nimbus Kitchen Fan
Industrial Design
Industrial Design
Design Methods
Product sketching
Low fidelity prototyping
High-fidelity prototyping
Laser cutting
3d printing
Compression painting
Project type
Solo
Concept Development
Concept Development
Role
Role
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designer
Duration
Duration
2 months
2 months
Fly-on-the-wall
AEIOU Studies
Ethnographic interviews
Insight clustering
User journey mapping
Persona making
Research Methods
Project type
Solo
Research Methods
Fly-on-the-wall
AEIOU Studies
Ethnographic interviews
Insight clustering
User journey mapping
Persona making
Design Methods
Product sketching
Low fidelity prototyping
High-fidelity prototyping
Laser cutting
3d printing
Compression painting
Design Process Followed
Design Process Followed
Design process for concept chosen for IP registration by Havells
Context Building
Context Building
The concept development phase began after uncovering how existing kitchen cooling solutions failed to address real user pain points. Drawing from research insights, I translated patterns in user behavior, workflow, and spatial dynamics into opportunity areas for design intervention. The goal was to bridge the gap between user comfort and product feasibility by visualizing how a cooling solution could integrate seamlessly into the kitchen ecosystem.
I explored multiple form factors, airflow mechanisms, and material approaches, iterating from sketches to mock-ups to align with both Havells’ manufacturing capabilities and the demanding environment of commercial kitchens.
The concept development phase began after uncovering how existing kitchen cooling solutions failed to address real user pain points. Drawing from research insights, I translated patterns in user behavior, workflow, and spatial dynamics into opportunity areas for design intervention. The goal was to bridge the gap between user comfort and product feasibility by visualizing how a cooling solution could integrate seamlessly into the kitchen ecosystem.
I explored multiple form factors, airflow mechanisms, and material approaches, iterating from sketches to mock-ups to align with both Havells’ manufacturing capabilities and the demanding environment of commercial kitchens.
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Existing kitchen cooling products are designed primarily for residential settings, overlooking the intense heat, workflow congestion, and ergonomic constraints of commercial kitchens. This gap creates discomfort and fatigue for cooks, directly affecting efficiency and safety. The challenge was to develop a sustainable cooling solution that integrates into the workspace without disrupting movement or workflow, using design and engineering principles to make comfort both accessible and efficient.
How Might We?
How might we translate user insights about heat zones and movement patterns into a form factor that enhances both comfort and efficiency?
How Might We?
How Research Changed the Problem Direction
How Research Changed the Problem Direction
An in-depth research phase shifted the project from a traditional product redesign to a human-centered exploration, revealing overlooked challenges in commercial kitchen environments and redefining the design opportunity.
Ideation Phase
Ideation Phase
I generated over 100 thumbnail sketches to explore diverse directions, then synthesized and grouped them into five key design pillars - human-centered, innovative, multifunctional, transparent, and wall-mounted - to guide concept development.
I generated over 100 thumbnail sketches to explore diverse directions, then synthesized and grouped them into five key design pillars - human-centered, innovative, multifunctional, transparent, and wall-mounted - to guide concept development.
Human-Centered
Human-Centered
Innovative
Innovative
Multi-functional
Multi-functional
Transparent
Transparent
Wall Mounted
Wall Mounted
Concept Creation
Concept Creation
From over 100 thumbnail sketches, I refined and developed 25 distinct concepts that embodied the five core design pillars, setting the stage for detailed exploration and evaluation.
From over 100 thumbnail sketches, I refined and developed 25 distinct concepts that embodied the five core design pillars, setting the stage for detailed exploration and evaluation.
From the 25 developed concepts, 3 were shortlisted for deeper exploration based on feasibility, user relevance, and alignment with the core design pillars. Exploration included prototyping, with low-fidelity mockups used to test form, function, and user interaction.
From the 25 developed concepts, 3 were shortlisted for deeper exploration based on feasibility, user relevance, and alignment with the core design pillars. Exploration included prototyping, with low-fidelity mockups used to test form, function, and user interaction.
The bladeless donut fan initially sparked excitement with its innovative design, but manufacturing complexities and client concerns about cost and feasibility made it less practical.
While visually striking, prioritizing a balance between creativity and real-world implementation led the team to focus on other concepts that offered both innovation and manufacturability.
The bladeless donut fan initially sparked excitement with its innovative design, but manufacturing complexities and client concerns about cost and feasibility made it less practical.
While visually striking, prioritizing a balance between creativity and real-world implementation led the team to focus on other concepts that offered both innovation and manufacturability.
The ceiling-mounted ventilation concept provides a space-saving solution that integrates seamlessly into commercial kitchens.
Key refinements such as adding an LED status indicator for clear feedback, improving filter accessibility for easy maintenance, and streamlining the conical shape to a cylindrical form enhance usability, maintain aesthetic appeal, and ensure the design is practical and manufacturable for real-world use.
The ceiling-mounted ventilation concept provides a space-saving solution that integrates seamlessly into commercial kitchens.
Key refinements such as adding an LED status indicator for clear feedback, improving filter accessibility for easy maintenance, and streamlining the conical shape to a cylindrical form enhance usability, maintain aesthetic appeal, and ensure the design is practical and manufacturable for real-world use.
The Nimbus, our wall-mounted ventilation solution, stands out for its space-optimizing design and user-centered approach.
Planned refinements include softening its silhouette for a more approachable look, replacing transparency with an LED status indicator for clear feedback, and streamlining the lid mechanism for easy filter access. Additional updates - shifting from battery to plug-in power and exploring a ball joint for adjustable airflow enhance reliability and user control.
Together, these improvements ensure the Nimbus remains a practical, efficient, and user-friendly solution for modern commercial kitchens.
The Nimbus, our wall-mounted ventilation solution, stands out for its space-optimizing design and user-centered approach.
Planned refinements include softening its silhouette for a more approachable look, replacing transparency with an LED status indicator for clear feedback, and streamlining the lid mechanism for easy filter access. Additional updates - shifting from battery to plug-in power and exploring a ball joint for adjustable airflow enhance reliability and user control.
Together, these improvements ensure the Nimbus remains a practical, efficient, and user-friendly solution for modern commercial kitchens.
Final Outcome
Final Outcome
The final renders showcase the refined concepts, highlighting their form, functionality, and user-centered design features.
The final renders showcase the refined concepts, highlighting their form, functionality, and user-centered design features.
