[SDA2012]

2012 Sydney Design Awards

Key Dates

50L Quick-Serve Wheelie Cooler

Winner 

Project Overview

A well-known Willow favourite, the "Quick Serve" Cooler is now available with a stylish makeover.
The design is enhanced with a robust retractable handle, rugged all terrain wheels and a "tropical" corrugated roof to bounce off those hot summer rays.
As the name suggests, the cooler includes a quick access hatch to grab a chilled drink or cool snack, while still keeping the main corrugated lid closed.
Made by Australians for Australian conditions.

Organisation

Willow Ware Australia Pty Ltd

Team

CEO: Ralph Wilson
Head of Design: David Flynn
Engineering Manager: Daniel Moga
National Sales & Marketing Manager: Glen Wall
Senior Product Manager: Sara Dodds
Product Manager: Nicole Butkiewicz

Project Brief

The design is to reinvigorate the Quick-Serve concept through a totally new design which will add to the consumer experience and offer a range of new features previously unavailable at this size or price point.
It should also embody world’s best quality and reliability and be a bright addition to the Willow range.

Project Innovation / Need

- A method to hold items such as a cricket bat, beach umbrella and a picnic rug or towels on the outside
- Integrated retractable handle assembly
- Added all terrain wheels
- Secure large beverage bottles from moving around inside the cooler
- A tray that doubles as a food separator
- Integrated side handles for easy lifting
- Compact size that Fits into a family sedan car boot with room to spare
- Optimised cooling with tight fitting hatch and lid
- Corrugations on the lid designed to deflect as much heat as possible
- An elevated base to allow air circulation at ground level
- Automated construction

Design Challenge

- Getting the features into the product without over accessorising the cooler.
- Designing the functional flexibility without increasing overall size.
- Integrating a robust retractable handle that is ergonomically sound.

Sustainability

Our approach is always to ensure there is minimal harm to the environment. We pride ourselves in our automated processes which ensure the minimal use of materials without compromising quality and product integrity. We operate a continuous regrind process to reclaim all waste material for later recycling. Our products are designed and manufactured with a promise to offer many years of enjoyment and avoid ending up as land fill.




This award recognises a component or overall product. Consideration given to aspects that relate to human usage, aesthetics, selection of components and materials, and the resolution of assembly, manufacturing and the overall function.
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