The technology innovation introduced a new process/construction that is game-changing in the way refrigeration solutions could be manufactured and created a completely new platform in a 100 year old appliance category.

The technology was created in a Lab run by us for the brand Godrej. Allowing the company to leverage the platform to create a range of products for the rural market, under the brand name Chotu Kool (“Small Chiller”).

The breakthrough came with a set of early material and process explorations that revolved around new methods of encapsulating the foam insulation with a soft shell previously never attempted by the appliance industry. In the absence of any benchmarks the team performed a set of experiments for proof of concept. Early prototypes were then followed by management approvals for launch. Given the unconventional manufacturing process, the team then looked for the right partners with the technical know-how to take this to the next stage. The engineering and development team at Future Factory worked with manufacturing partners to lay specifications for this first-ever process, preparing it for the scale of commercial production. Meanwhile, rapid prototyping and wooden jigs created early production samples to help sanction tooling budgets.

This innovation allows a refrigerator to be produced at $70 (half the current price), leveraging solid state technology for use in poor electricity supply areas.

Interestingly, it does this by creating a new product platform that supports a variety of skins on a common framework. This variety allows the inclusion of artists to co-create designs and showcase new work, supporting and promoting the artist community and nurturing the values of expression and co-creation. Eventually, creating a product that is aspirational and cool enough to be used as a mobile solution to transient urban families and youth migrating to cities, and yet affordable enough for rural consumers.

The innovation opens a completely new platform for the first time ever. It now becomes possible to design, manufacture and distribute products in a decentralized way at half the cost. Opening up different possibilities for refrigeration products. Bringing variety, excitement and a "cool factor" through technology to an otherwise quiet and established category.

Through participation of the artist community, design can co-create new work through special edition products. Supporting the artist community through showcasing and through commercial promotion.

Not only does it bring a quality of life to marginalised communities, it also drives pride of ownership in rural communities. Through co-creation with both to rural and urban communities, it binds the two disparate communities that drive the country’s aspirations today. The portable nature of the product allows a direct outreach network-creating livelihood opportunities for women and youth in rural India. Local artisans can also find employment through reviving dying arts and crafts through co-creation.

The product was launched in March 2014 in rural Maharashtra, India and is also available online at www.chotukool.com. It has received an overwhelmingly positive response by the NGO & India Post supply partners, and is being widely acclaimed by media as a socially responsible innovation for marginalized Indian communities.