On-door Ice box | Muhan design portfolio

Bosch Refrigerator Door-Mounted Ice Tray

博世挂门制冰盒

While ice is typically associated with beverages, its role in food preparation is often overlooked. As modern users increasingly prioritize freshness, healthy cooking, and efficiency, the ability to produce a large quantity of ice at once has become a new selling point for Bosch refrigerators. This project focuses on designing a door-mounted ice tray that not only enhances usability but also reinforces Bosch’s premium product values.

冰块常被联想到冷饮，但在备餐过程中，它其实也发挥着重要作用。随着用户对食材保鲜、健康烹饪和高效准备的需求不断提升，如何一次性提供大量冰块，成为博世冰箱的又一差异化亮点。本项目旨在开发一款挂门式制冰盒，在提升使用便利性的同时，也延续博世品牌一贯的高品质印象。

User & Benchmark Research

Through field observation, we found that user interactions with ice trays go far beyond simple ice retrieval. From filling and monitoring to demolding and serving, each step demands ergonomic consideration.
In the early stages, we evaluated dimensions, mounting height, and ease of use through various user trials. These insights guided our mechanical development, especially for the demolding action, where usability and force transfer were key challenges.

用户与标准调研

我们发现，用户与挂门冰盒的交互远比表面看起来复杂。从加水、观察冰块形成，到脱模、取用，每一个步骤都对产品在尺寸、结构和人机工程方面提出了挑战。

项目初期，我们通过模拟不同使用场景，对挂门高度、操作便利性等关键因素进行了深入研究，并分析了市面上多种同类产品。这些调研成果，为后续设计阶段，尤其是脱冰结构的优化，打下了坚实的基础。

Concept development

Bosch is known for its German-engineered quality—solid, reliable, and precise. We aimed to express these brand qualities in the ice tray’s interaction design. Our goal was to enable a clean, satisfying demolding experience through a single, intuitive motion. Among several styling directions, we refined three key attributes: minimal geometric form, a forceful yet integrated handle, and a structural design that channels pressure effectively. This stage went beyond aesthetics—it also involved ergonomic optimization and mechanical consideration.

概念方向探索

作为源自德国的品牌，博世传递的是稳定、精准与扎实的品牌形象。我们希望这种品质感可以体现在用户脱冰的每一次操作中。因此，我们尝试设计一种只需单手操作、便可轻松利落完成脱冰的机械方案。

在众多外观提案中，我们最终选择了三条并进的方向：几何简洁的外形、嵌入式的强力把手、以及外力与结构一体化的设计逻辑。这一阶段的设计不仅关注美观，也兼顾了用户的握持舒适度与操作力学。

Structure Refinement and Visual Integration

With the mechanical structure and appearance established, we fine-tuned proportions to align with Bosch's overall refrigerator design language. We enlarged the viewing window to improve usability, added structural borders to enhance rigidity, and concealed the force-transferring mechanisms for a cleaner look. The final design allows the tray to be mounted flexibly on different door positions, ensuring user comfort across various access angles without interfering with other refrigerator components.

结构深化与外观调整

在初步结构确立后，我们围绕博世冰箱的整体设计语言进行了进一步优化。例如调整制冰与储冰区域的比例，增大可视窗以增强观察体验，并通过巧妙的边框设计提高产品稳固性，同时将施力结构巧妙隐藏，避免影响视觉整洁。

最终设计支持冰盒在不同门位上的灵活挂载，不仅保证了各个角度的人机舒适度，也不干扰冰箱其他部件的运行，整体感与功能性得以完美融合。

Conclusion

This seemingly minor accessory is the result of careful user research and thoughtful integration of brand character. Quietly but effectively, it enhances everyday food prep, making it one of the most essential yet understated helpers inside the Bosch refrigerator.