U2 Window AC
At Midea American Research Center, I led the industrial design of U2 window AC. It is amongst the first heat pump window air conditioners on the market and a second generation of Midea’s flagship U-shaped window AC platform.
Info:
Industrial Designer Midea American R&D Center 2024 - 2025, 7 months
Supervisor/Teammate
Wyman Mastin Seth Jenkins
Lead the design of appearance, CMF, UI, and air outlet experience of the unit.
Tools:
Solidworks; Figma; 3D Printing; Model Making
Role:
Project Context
Midea’s U-shaped window AC is an iconic product known for its window saving U shape that allowed user to open the window while the unit is installed. As Midea transitions from a predominantly OEM brand to a stronger OBM presence in the U.S. market, U2 plays a critical role in elevating Midea’s brand perception. Positioned as a premium offering, U2 is designed to replace U1 at the high end of the portfolio, graduating U1 an entry-level product.
U2 was initially driven by EPA energy incentives, targeting higher efficiency benchmarks (ESME, ENERGY STAR Most Efficient). Over the course of development, evolving energy regulations shifted priorities away from strict ENERGY STAR positioning, requiring a reassessment of how energy certifications influenced consumer purchase decisions. In parallel, the project placed increased emphasis on product differentiation through enhanced user experience and a more premium visual language.