Manta
Made from repurposed ocean waste, this 40 quart cooler allows for a sustainable solution in the world of outdoor coolers.
14 weeks
fall 2022
Outdoor Cooler Design
Explore
sustainable · portable · food storage
What problems can this product solve that that haven't been explored yet?
Proposed Question
INTERVIEW · READ · COMPARE · ANALYZE · PROPOSE SOLUTIONS
Through the research process, I was able to identify places in the product market which needed to be addressed.
Product should be made from materials that will be able to withstand weather, bumpy car rides, and the weight of users sitting on top of it.
Product should incorporate cooling technology that is good for the user and the planet.
Product should allow for users to take it wherever they want with ease.
Product should exhibit ergonomic considerations through handle design and functionality.
Product should be designed with sustainable materials in mind and employ design strategies which minimize waste and maximize lifespan of the product.
A Look at Waste - Environmental Considerations
As the production of plastics increases worldwide each year, so does the amount of waste in the oceans. Newer technology makes it possible to retrieve plastic waste from the ocean and turn it into materials usable for making products.
How does it work?
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Waste is retrieved from the ocean.
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Materials are identified and sorted (HDPE).
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Sorted materials are processed by washing, grinding, and drying.
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The dried materials are extracted into pellets.
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Pellets are packed and ready to be used.
visuals from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7VwB1QiVbI
After establishing actionable insights above, the next steps of the design process were to begin ideating forms and sketching concepts that aligned with my thoughts.
Concept Ideation
I selected three forms to ideate on when moving on to the physical modeling process.
During the process of rough modeling, I was able to observe how the physical manifestations of the product would feel. During the first stage, I constructed paper models to see how the model came together at the most basic level. In the second stage, I was able to construct foam core models which allowed me to see what the correct proportions the product would require and see how the handles and wheels should be placed.
Reflecting: Rough Modeling
Selected form after rough modeling.
User Interaction Storyboarding
Take cooler out of storage.
Open lid and remove basket.
Layer ice and drinks, placing food on top.
Carry cooler with handles to desired destination.
Choose drink and food.
Use cupholders and bottle opener.
A cooler that’s about more than keeping your drinks cold.
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This 40 quart cooler is made from sustainable materials and utilizes ocean plastics.
Meet Manta
A Closer Look
With features like a 15 qt internal storage basket, comfortable handles, and all terrain wheels, this cooler has features to benefit every user.
Materials: Recycled HDPE, Stainless Steel, Recycled Aluminum, Natural Wool
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40 qt capacity
15 qt recycled aluminum internal storage basket
4 standard can size cupholders
All terrain wheels
Drainage spout
Long reach handle
2 short reach handles
Easy reach lid incorporated within main lid system
The 15qt aluminum basket helps the user keep food and drink separate from any ice in the cooler.
40 Quarts of Cooling Technology
Natural wool insulation helps to keep contents cold for up to three days.
The Manta logo represents more than an aquatic animal. It represents the meeting of the ocean and the land. It represents people coming together with the environment as a team to reduce ocean waste.
The consumption of micro plastics by aquatic animals is detrimental to the ocean’s precious ecosystems, as well as the issue of pollution on earth as a whole. The use of ocean waste in the product manufacturing is a crucial part of why Manta coolers are a step above competitors.
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