The+Proposal

With the modern day refrigerator’s freezer located at the bottom and with little storage space, many problems ensue. Those who suffer from back problems or inner ear balance deficiencies are unable to bend down and access the freezer comfortably. Approximately 85% of Americans suffer from back pain by the age of 50, while 26 million Americans suffer between the ages of 20-64 (National Pain Foundation, 2010).Those who suffer from balance deficiencies can aggravate their condition through certain head movements. This is caused by a deficiency in the vestibular labyrinth in the inner ear (Mayo Clinic, 2008). The product will not only benefit those with medical issues, but also, shorter people and individuals who are seeking a more comfortable way to access their frozen goods. Storage space is another issue. The modern day refrigerator seems to have reduced its freezer space. This is a problem for those who store excessive amounts of frozen goods. Their only option is to purchase a chest-style freezer. The new design has taken these two issues into consideration and has created a chest-style freezer that will benefit those with back pain and inner ear balance deficiencies without sacrificing storage space.
 * a) ****The Problem**

The redesigned product is a chest-style freezer that is designed to prevent back strain, dizzy spells, and discomfort. It does this by enabling users to stand instead of bending over. It has the same components as a standard chest freezer, except for its ascending and descending internal casing. The freezer’s internal casing will rise, allowing individuals to access the freezer’s contents while standing. The front side of the freezer’s internal casing can also be unlatched, providing additional accessibility. The freezer’s rubber grip handles allow the internal casing to be raised easily. The freezer’s advanced hydraulic technology enables the casing to be raised and lowered effortlessly, while remaining stationary when in use. Once the user is finished, the user pushes the casing down and closes the freezer door.
 * About the Product**

A redesigned freezer that utilizes hydraulics to bring the contents of the freezer up and out of the outer casing will make the contents easily accessible for any type of user. A person suffering from chronic back and muscle pain that is unable to bend down and reach the items will be able to open the freezer door and pull up the inner casing with ease. The person unlatches the front hatch and easily grabs the items that are out of reach. Once finished, they will latch the hatch, push the casing down, and close the freezer door. b) ****Theoretical Concepts** Visual knowledge tools: Creating a 3D animation of our redesigned chest freezer will make our vision come to life. Animating our design will amplify our cognition and help our group realize issues with the design and make it possible to correct these problems before money is spent creating the actual physical model. The 3D model can also be used to demonstrate the functions to users. User feedback will be helpful in determining whether the redesigned freezer will succeed in the market. Three stage model for perception: It will be important for our group to consider resolution, optics, colour, brightness, lightness, contrast and constancy in order to get the most benefit out of our 3D model. The user must be able to depict the function of the freezer and the potential designer/building must be able to determine the different components of the freezer to be able to actually build the physical model. Texture: Texture will help portray the contours of the freezer. It will also assist in defining the shape and size of the freezer. Perception: The angle at which we display the freezer in our 3D design will change the way viewers perceive it. During the drawing process, our group will need to determine the best angle to display the freezer in order for viewers to perceive it the way we intended. Shading and colour will be used to help viewers perceive depth and shape. Optimal Display: Determining the optimal display will enable our group to design the best 3D design for viewing. Our images much be created in the best resolution for the screen viewers will be using. c) ****Roles and Assignments** Anthony: Develop solution to the problem, research industry, and 3D drawings. Samantha: Develop solution to the problem, research similar products, and 3D drawings. Nadia: Develop solution to the problem, research user reviews, and 3D drawings.  d) ****Final Deliverables** Our final deliverable will include a 3D drawing and animation in Photoshop. Our animation will demonstrate how the redesigned freezer’s lid will open, how the inner-casing will emerge up from inside the freezer making the contents accessible to all users and how it will close back up again.
 * Hypothesis**
 * 
 * 
 * 

References

Binns Kitchen & Bath. (2010). “Kitchen Showrooms.” //Binns.net//. [|http://www.binns.net/kitchen-showrooms.php] Mayo Clinic. (2008). “Dizziness.” //MayoClinic.com//. []

National Pain Foundation. (2010). “Back and Neck: Fast Facts.” //NationalPainFoundation.org//. []