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Tank-A: The All-in-One Aquarium Furniture System

Tank-A is an innovative all-in-one tank system designed to seamlessly integrate into the modern aquarist's home. This Industrial Design senior thesis project from Winter 2019 addresses the challenge of combining function and design in limited spaces, catering to the needs of contemporary millennial aquarists.

🐠🪑🏠Timeless and unique designEasy maintenanceIntegrates function and design in limited spaceSuitable for modern millennial aquaristsCombines inverted aquarium concept with furniture designUses durable and customizable materials

Tank-A: The All-in-One Aquarium Furniture System

Project Overview

Tank-A is a senior thesis project in Industrial Design, completed in Winter 2019. The goal was to ideate and design an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-use fish tank that addresses the needs of modern aquarists. The project recognizes a shift in the aquarium market, where fish tanks are increasingly seen as part of home decor rather than just a hobby.

Market Research

Extensive market research was conducted to understand the current state of the aquarium industry and its consumers. Key findings include:

01139 million American households owned freshwater aquariums, making them the most popular pet

02The aquarium industry, including plants, accessories, feed, and drugs, is worth $18-20 billion

03The industry experiences a 10% annual growth rate

0410% of the U.S. population owns freshwater fish, while 2% own saltwater fish

05Generation Y (21-37 years old) represents the largest market segment, owning 43% of freshwater fish and 62% of saltwater fish

Target Audience

The primary target audience for Tank-A is Generation Y (Millennials), aged 21-37. This demographic was chosen because:

01They represent the largest generation in the US with the most purchasing power

02They are having children later in life, often treating pets as preparation for parenthood

03They are spending more on furniture and home decor

0440% of Millennials say their home furnishings must reflect their personal style

05They conduct thorough research before making purchases, with 50% spending 2-3 weeks researching furniture

Design Process

The design process for Tank-A involved multiple iterations and concept explorations:

01Initial designs focused on the concept of inverted aquariums

02The second iteration moved towards a more furniture-centric design

03The final ideation combined the inverted aquarium concept with functional furniture design

04Each stage involved sketches, 3D modeling, and prototype development

Tank-A design process and ideation

Click to enlarge↗

Materials

Careful consideration was given to material selection, balancing aesthetics, durability, and functionality:

01Tank: Glass (easy to work with, low cost, strong) or Acrylic (lightweight, durable)

02Body and shelves: Super Translucent Sapele (durable, timeless appearance)

03Customizable options: Various hardwoods (durable, price flexibility)

04Prototyping: 3D printed parts (good for prototyping, strong, customizable)

05Mass production: Injection molding (cheaper parts, mass-producible, color options)

Technical Specifications

01Incorporates a sump filter for high water tank turnover

02Designed for easy maintenance and cleaning

03Customizable finishes to match various interior design styles

04Integrated LED lighting system for optimal viewing and plant growth

05Smart monitoring capabilities for water quality and temperature

Industry Insights

The project was informed by insights from industry professionals:

Future Development

While Tank-A represents a significant innovation in aquarium design, there is potential for further development:

01Integration with smart home systems for automated care

02Expansion of the modular design to suit various living spaces

03Development of companion apps for detailed aquarium management

04Exploration of more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes

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