Fan Issues // Design issues and usage
Rotate Switch // difficult to reach especially while
User Experience // Usage
trying to sleep
Bulky Motor Unit // Ugly and out in the open Protective Grate // Difficult to remove in order to clean
Place fan in desired location
Blades // Difficult to reach to clean
Change angle
Plug in fan
Size // Size is difficult to manage on a desk Swivel Range// Can only swivel a small distance Button Console // All the buttons feel the same and are impossible to read in the dark
Choose speed setting
Turn on rotation setting
Remove front grate to clean
Cord // Cord is ugly and only allows a small amount of reach
Reassemble and Repeat
Base // Bulky on tables Bottom // Scratches base Wipe blades clean
Product Time-line // Desk fans 1882 – Schuyler Skaats Wheeler applied electricity developed by Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla to make a fan turn without human or horsepower. The first electric fan consisted of just two blades without a protective cage.
1902 – Technology was created to produce the first functioning oscillating fan. At this time, Willis Carrier also invented air conditioning.
1880
1890
1900
1889 – The ceiling fan was patented by Philip H. Diehl.
Period dominated by nearly full metal construction and industrial style design
1990s – The sales of ceiling fans dropped some due to the reduced cost of air conditioning. The solid wood and steel construction of the ceiling fans dropped and were replaced by cheaper, standardized parts.
1960s – Ceiling fans almost became obsolete due to the popularity of air conditioning. However, since the 60s, fans grew in popularity and became more energy efficient.
1910 – Ceiling fans were first marketed for household use.
Rinse Grate
Dyson Air Blade drastically changes the direction of home fan design
1932 – Emerson Electric Co. Introduced the Silver Swan, a fan based on a propeller design with a cage.
1910
1920
1940 – The Packard become the first car to offer optional “factory air” in a vehicle.
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1970s – Ceiling fans were well-used during the energycrisis because they consumed less energy than air conditioners.
Experimenting with color and the introduction of plastic and also the introduction of the box-fan style
1990
2000
2010
2020
Standing vertical fan/ air purifier developed
Blocky and Geometrically designed fans came into style
Primarily constructed of plastic and were designed in a more bubbly aesthetic
Experimentation in the overall function and user interaction involved with fan usage