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Revision as of 11:24, 26 February 2012

Executive Summary

Market Research

Market research was conducted focusing on the needs and interests of the users. The four methods used were: user interview, user observation, user reviews, and surveys.

User Interview

Users were interviewed to get a better understanding of their opinions on the product. The general consensus was that requirement of ice was a significant constraint to the usability of the product. Loading and changing ice into the device was time-consuming and clumsy. Also, a larger cooling capacity (multiple drinks at once) was desired. With the current one drink limit, this cooling method was not much more efficient than the alternative of an ice-water bath, which could be used to cool multiple drinks at once. The one drink limit also meant that somebody always has to constantly be operating the device in order to cool enough drinks. The noise generated by the device was also a problem. It made holding conversations in the same room as the device uncomfortable. The host has resorted to placing the device in another room when using. This is an idea that we hope to consider in our design.

In summary, the users felt that the current product had limited use. The requirement of ice and low capacity made it marginally better at cooling beverages than an ice bath yet more of a hassle. The noise didn't help. This made the device only practical for cooling 1-2 drinks at a time. One user suggested developing a product that doesn't need ice and marketing the product for a situation where users would not have access to a refrigerator.

User Observation 1

A mock scenario was developed that would imitate the typical anticipated use of the drink cooler. In this scenario, the host was having an impromptu gathering on a weekend night with 5-6 guests. Unfortunately, the host usually did not have space in the refrigerator to keep drinks cool at all time and only had access to room temperature beer. However, he did have the drink cooler and three trays of ice at his disposal. The observations are summarized below.

The drink cooler had a fairly intuitive design. The users had never used the device before and were able to use it within five minutes. Their first instinct was to pour the beer into the ice-water bath. However, they did decided to scan (not read) the instruction manual. This was sufficient to show them the correct way of using the device. Upon setting up the device, they realized that power cord was too short. The only flat surface within reach of the cord was the sofa, which was not a sturdy surface.

They then started to chill their drinks. However, this proved to be a slow process. People started to get restless waiting for their turn to cool their drink. This was especially a problem because most people preferred to drink the glass drink, which takes longer to cool. Eventually, people started just drinking warm beer. This problem could have been reduced had the users fully read the instruction manual. They consistently set their drinks to cool on the higher setting, which isn't necessary for most beverages. Four minutes would have been sufficient for the glass bottles two minutes for the metal cans. This information should be presented more prominently.

Several problems were discovered during the usage of the device. First, it was a very loud machine. People were forced to speak louder then usual and the television volume was had to be turned up. This is obviously not an ideal scenario. Second, the lid did not function well. On some occasions it would pop open while the device was running. Other times, it would take several tries to open. Third, the water proofing on the lid was weak as water dripped out constantly. A cardboard box had to be placed underneath to soak the water. Finally, changing the water was a hassle. This task is hard to do with just one person. The lid does not open fully, forcing the user to tilt the device at awkward angles to get the ice out. Pouring in new water is also a hassle for the same reason.

User Observation 2

The scenario observed in this situation was slightly different. A couple users had just returned from the store having bought beverages on a weekend evening. They wanted to drink a beer each, but it was all at room temperature from the store. They used the drink cooler to cool two beverages for themselves. The observations are summarized below.

Setting up the device was easy. Ice was readily available. The device was started. Again, similar to the previous experience, the device was excessively loud. The two users had to raise their voices to communicate with each other. After usage was done, emptying the ice-water from the device was a hassle. People decided to leave it set up as it is. It remained on the table taking up space for some time.

User Reviews

Survey

Summary

Design Concepts

Design Concept 1