Adjustable Table Fan

In this crate, you'll explore the science, engineering, and history behind fans while building one of your own!

Explore:

  • Fast-Spinning Motors
  • History of Fans
  • Air Circulation

Behind the design

Peek into the KiwiCo product design studio and the design process behind the Eureka Crate Adjustable Table Fan.

    1. Adjustable... Something Fan?

    1. The “fan” part of the table fan was decided very early on in development, but it took a while for us to settle on what type of fan it would be. We tried a fan that sat on the floor, a fan that hung around your neck, and even a hand-held fan. This prototype was a table fan that we based off a windmill, and it rotated side to side!

    2. Turn This Blasting Thing Off

    1. At first, the fan’s power switch was on the back of the head, like many other fan designs. But we discovered that to reach behind the fan and turn it on or off, you had to be directly in front of the fan — in the path of the blasting air. Moving the switch to the side made it much easier to avoid facefuls of wind.

    3. Air-oma Therapy

    1. Lavender, chamomile, or fresh linen, anyone? An early design included a clip-on air freshener so the fan could waft scents across the room. The prototype wasn’t too smelly, but rather than refining to make it smellier, we decided to drop the air freshener because the design team couldn’t agree on what smell to use. You’re welcome to try adding one if you want!