Design Conjecture Four, Porta-Cool
The Porta-Cool is a compact cooler and eating area that is perfect for families on the go. Features included in the Porta-Cool include a double lined cooler to store fresh food and beverages, a removable cutting board, a tabletop to share a meal with family inside of the car or the trunk of the car, built-in storage and a door that slides over to seals this area when the car is in motion, and four cupholders to accommodate every passenger's beverage.
The conceptual design of the Porta-Cool was inspired by an article discussing how the needs of humans are changing with the emergence of new technology. Technology is increasing at a rapid rate which has allowed for the development of self-driving cars. In turn, the driver no longer needs to keep an eye on the road to drive but rather can enjoy the ride alongside other passengers.
Key Highlights
- Includes all passengers in the car
- A tabletop to share a meal with a family when on the go
- Four cupholders that cater to all sizes of water bottles
- A removable cutting board for easy washing
- Built-in storage with a slidable door when on the go
- Increased face-to-face time
Downsides
- It is large
- The front passenger's seat must be turned around to use effectively and include everyone
- It is another item to store in your car and it may become bulky
Article Inspiration
Xu, S., Shi, C., & Pinyan, T. (2021). Shaping driver-vehicle interaction in autonomous vehicles: How the new in-vehicle systems match the human needs. Applied Ergonomics, 90, 103238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103238
