Design goals:
Design a duffel bag for travel with Improved organization that is marketable to a wide range of demographics. It should have innovative features that improve it's utility but maintain the functions of a standard duffel.
PERSONAS:
Two personas. two very different backgrounds. One product.
needs 0f a duffle bag:
DURABLE BUT LIGHTWEIGHT - COLORFUL BUT LOW PROFILE - SIMPLE BUT VERSATILE - COMPACT BUT LARGE ENOUGH
MARKET RESEARCH:
IDEATION:
EXPERIMENTATION:
LASER CUT CARDBOARD
MY FINDINGS:
THE FIRST cardboard PROTOTYPE WAS SIZED TO THE AVERAGE MAXIMUM SIZE FOR A CARRY-ON BAG. I FOUND IT WAS MUCH TOO LARGE AND UNMANAGEABLE.
A FULL DUFFLE OF THAT SIZE be WOULD VERY HEAVY.
THE SECOND cardboard prototype WAS DOWNSIZED TO A MUCH MORE MANAGEABLE SIZE BUT STILL SPACIOUS.
The fit of the backpack straps was a little wide as well as uncomfortable.
The shoulder straps felt too far outside the design goals and I decided to revert back to standard carry straps.
PROTOTYPING:
Mid-fidelity prototype testing
colorways:
Gray/Blue
Olive Green/Red
Tan/Pink
Black/Lime
Bronze/Teal
Organization:
the shelving system allows for maximum organization. The Storage pods make packing and accessing items and clothing easy.
Two mesh pockets on the lid allow for quick and easy access to personal items or act as additional storage for clothing.
the hanging configuration eliminates the need to unpack and gives the user easy access to their clothes and personal items.
Pods store out of the way when not in use.
Expanding laundry/shoe compartment helps keep clean and dirty clothes separated.
Durable but lightweight:
Vx 21 x-pac Is an extremely durable material that is also very lightweight. Its waterproof qualities help keep the contents of the bag dry. The low drape of the fabric assists in keeping the bag open when in the hanging configuration.
Colorful but low profile:
By selecting neutral colors for the exterior of the bag and a bright interior color, the bag is able to meet both requirements. The neutral exterior colors allow the user to not draw attention to themselves while traveling, increasing security. The interior colors are not only fun and expressive, but they also help with interior visibility of the pack.
sImple but versatile:
Shelves rapidly deploy when needed and move out of the way when they are not. this allows the duffel to function as a standard duffle if the shelves are not needed. A simple strap with easy to use Fidlock® buckle hold shelves in place when stored.
Shelves can be used in conjunction with the laundry pocket.
The top pocket is designed to hold a holster for those who need it and still functions as a normal pocket for those who do not. The pocket is large enough to fit a full sized handgun or an 8" iPad.
compact but large enough:
The catamayo is large enough to hold a weeks worth of clothing but still meet the carry on guidelines for most airlines.
The removable shoulder strap and carry handle make carrying the catamayo comfortable and easy, even with a full load.
