OVERVIEW
Overview
Product
A modular backpack inspired by the Japanese bento box.
This aims to help design students compartmentalize and safely carry school paraphernalia to and from classes.
This aims to help design students compartmentalize and safely carry school paraphernalia to and from classes.
Duration
4 weeks
Responsibilities
Contextual Research
Market Analysis
Interviews/Surveys
Usability Testing
Prototyping
Sewing
Visual Design
Market Analysis
Interviews/Surveys
Usability Testing
Prototyping
Sewing
Visual Design
My Role(s)
Industrial Designer
Product Designer
Team
Aleka Hickman
The Challenge:
Improve the experience of fellow IND D students by designing a soft goods product that adheres to their demanding schedule and lifestyle.
The Research:
Discovery + Definition
The Strategy:
Development + Testing
The Solution:
Our final model is a Bento Box-inspired bag that hits the sweet spot between storage and aesthetics. It is worn like a backpack but sits like a briefcase. Inside, it features a laptop/tablet pocket, folder/notebook pocket, and a space for modular pouches to carry loose supplies.
CUSTOMIZE & STORE
WEAR & WALK
OPEN & USE
Takeaways:
User testing is an integral part of the product development process!
Getting feedback from target users immensely helps identify what's working and what needs to be improved. It can either validate prior research and design choices, or illuminate avenues for more research to gain understanding for client needs and a more user-centered solution.
If I had more time:
Conduct another round of usability tests.
Explore more materials for better comfort.
Play around with item-weight distribution configuration.
