# Elephant-Like Room Coolers The Mini-ELEFAN by IDEA International is Conveniently Bendable By Meghan Young | Published 2012-08-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minielefan-by-idea-international References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670523/the-elefan-a-desktop-fan-with-a-cute-elephant-trunk) & [neo-utility](http://neo-utility.com/shop/new-arrivals/mini-elefan) The Mini-ELEFAN by IDEA International is a fun fan that may have been inspired by institutional cooling units, but could have easily been influenced by an elephant trunk. A completely unique take on the [traditional room cooler](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-cooling), it is made to rest on desks and other surfaces. With a slinky-like air duct that can be condensed like a can, elongated like a smokestack and curved like a periscope, the fan is as practical as it is adorable. Designed by Japanese design studio Yuen’to, the Mini-ELEFAN by IDEA International measures only seven inches long and is charged by a [USB cord](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jisulife-handheld-fan-ultra2). It operates on three settings: strong, weak and rhythmical (a combination of the two). It comes with a [washable filter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airmega-50) and can also be used as an air freshener. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Flexi-cooling:** The trend of bendable and flexible room coolers like the Mini-ELEFAN presents opportunities for innovative and space-saving cooling solutions. - **Compact Cooling:** The trend of compact and portable room coolers like the Mini-ELEFAN opens up possibilities for on-the-go cooling in small spaces and workstations. - **Multi-functional Fans:** The trend of fans doubling as air fresheners, like the Mini-ELEFAN, showcases opportunities for combined functionality and convenience in cooling devices. ### Where This Applies - **Home Appliances:** The home appliance industry can explore innovative design and technology to create bendable, compact, and multi-functional room cooling devices. - **Office Supplies:** The office supplies industry can tap into the trend of compact and portable room coolers, like the Mini-ELEFAN, to provide cooling solutions for workstations and small spaces. - **Air Fresheners:** The air fresheners industry can integrate cooling functions into their products, as seen in the multi-functional designs of fans like the Mini-ELEFAN. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ultra-Flexible Portable Tiny Fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-fans.md) - [Multipurpose Living Space Fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-circulation-fan.md) - [Two-in-One Rechargeable Desk Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appliance-concept.md) - [Animal-Inspired Humidifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kawaii-animal-humidifier.md) - [Toddler-Friendly Robot Fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-fufu.md) - [Foldable Air Circulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-circulator.md) - [Dress Shirt-Friendly Cooling Fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-fan-ii.md) - [Unique Book-Inspired Fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-shaped-fans.md) - [Lamp-Equipped Fan Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abode-gale-fan.md)