Post 9 – Constraints and Specs – Portable AC Unit

My cooler has undergone great progress over my spring break, and it is fully functional yet has room for me to improve its function as well as further explore it’s aesthetical approach.

Starting with constraints, there are a few things that I am constrained with. Lets list them first:

1. Aesthetic Approach
2. Insulation / large breaches
3. painting?
4. furthering the aesthetic on fan and tubes that protrude
5. Cost of operation

In terms of my aesthetic approach, I am unsure how to further my approach of a modern design in the cooler. I was primarily thinking of painting it a classic color that could blend in any environment. However, I am worried of how the finish of a paint will look. I will need to explore different wraps and ways I can color my cooler before deciding on the best approach, or perhaps a new aesthetic exploration would need to occur.

For insulation, I caulked the edges of where I cut and where the pipes will meet interact with the system. I am worried it will not be sufficient and may need to do more to improve the efficiency of the cooler.

Cost of buying bags of ice can significantly increase if I do not add additional steps to insuring the best insulation of the ac unit. This can be expedited by making the design better and making my own ice.

Some specifications I expect are:

1. Good cooling
2. aesthetic is fitting in all environments
3. Maintain the portable aspect of the project

These are of my upmost priority in approaching the project. After some testing, there is great airflow coming out of the unit and I am excited to not sweat inside of my AC-less apartment this summer.

The aesthetic of a bland cooler with some tubes is surprisingly nice, yet the light blue of the cooler lets it be seen as if it is a lower quality product, and something more fitting to all environments is desired. At this point I truly understood the significance of aesthetics of a design. My project as is will give the impression that it was a kids project or something that someone had put together just for the sake of it. I feel as if with great strides in achieving a sleek aesthetic any onlooker would be much more impressed with the project I have put together.

I would like to ensure the portable aspect of the project continues. Who knows what other AC-less place I will have or a hot camping trip or anything.

My specifications are quite simple, and perhaps broad as I further seek guidance and ideas on how to achieve a great aesthetic.