The opportunity discovered fell between a typical back packing daypack and a typical motorcycling backpack. The daypack has key features riders like such as utility, adjustability, and the ability to be used while not riding, though lacked desired aspects such as keeping material secure in corners, easy to get to contents with gear on, and too many things that flap around while riding. The Motorcycle specific bags usually focus heavily on motorcycling style, with some utilizing wind and weather protection, though they were difficult to bring to non-motorcycling activities. The solution must have the following key aspects:

Sketch explorations into various styles initiated in the thumbnail stage were done. Adding explorations into color, with a focus on 1960s – 70s pallets, were also done. More focus on the key findings was also done.

To better understand the form in three-dimensional space, how the lines and surfaces interact with each other, light, and the surroundings, study models were created. Multiple quick foam scale study models were created via previous sketches. A paper 1:1 model was made to explore possible material patterns and user scale. From the models further refinement was done.

Professional User

35 Years Old
Professional Wedding Photographer
Tech Savvy, Does all her own editing
Uses camera every day, frequently changes lens while on shoots, buys new camera every 2 years

On the Fringe User

54 Years Old
Retired Writer
Knowledgeable about technology
Very Interesting in photography, learning how he can do it, legally blind

A framework for future design and research was initially developed through mind mapping and preliminary research. The critical aspects to the project that need to be understood were discovered to be users, environments, and materials. For users a clear assessment of users functional needs that a power tool could solve and their experience with tools and construction. Learning about available supplies and requirements of rural developing environments is needed. Materials available to be manufactured and sourced for are also to be understood.

Through research specific needs were found for the project. A successful tool system should be easy to adapt and modify, as the specific needs and requirements of a rural developing areas are difficult to define. The tool and materials used to create it should be reliable and robust utilizing straightforward mechanics to reduce complications. Having parts that can be manufactured in the region allows users to have more ownership of a locally built tool and easier repairs. Fuel to power must be locally sourced to where it is used as well.

Once more accurate dimensions and visual language were determined white models were developed to understand how the new information can come together in a final form / product. The white models where evaluated based on the proposed design language and product needs, mainly ease of manufacturing and adaptability.

Initial research was done as a group (2015 MID students) to gain an in-depth understanding of aspects related to working and school atmospheres in the society, health concerns and benefits resulting from sedentary and active lifestyles, the history and a competitive analysis of current solutions with regard to work and school environments. As well as cultural research around the society and environment that facilitates a sedentary lifestyle, both locally and internationally.

After conducting thorough research into the health consequences, user groups, history, and culture surrounding sedentary lifestyles at work opportunity gaps for improvement were discovered.

Inspiration for the design was found through a variety of sources, from environments to users, from art to technology. These inspirations help to form the direction for the objects personality, form, details, colors, martial, and culminating in an overall design language that can be applied to all aspects surrounding the product, from marketing and packaging, to presentations and future products.