Project: Innovation
The Handbag Reimagined
Table of Contents
Table of Contents Portfolio Design Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The Design Process Preliminary Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Prototyping I: Construction Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Prototyping II: Nylon Webbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Market Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Analysis Ongoing Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Product Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Table of Contents
DesignPortfolio Brief Clutch. Tote. Satchel. Cross-body. Today’s handbags come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. And whether it’s to complete an outfit or to hold one’s things, they provide value - both functional and aesthetic - to their wearers. But what if another ability could be added to the handbag’s value set, an ability that solves size problems and enhances personalization for its wearer? In our The Handbag Reimagined project, we approach the handbag through an architect’s perspective, conceptualizing a bag that consists of a “basket” exoskeleton with an inner “pouch” chamber. Basket The exterior of the bag takes on a basket-like form: a system of criss-crossing “beltlets” and “suspenders” which allow for size adjustment. We envision these pieces to be made of firm, durable leather and to be completely removeable, such that the wearer can mix-andmatch colors and play with spacing and alignment. Pouch A removeable pouch can be secured to the “basket” shell by attaching it to the stabilizing “belt”. As we acknowledge the different budget constraints of customers, the pouch will be available in various materials, such as soft leather, burlap, or canvas. The pouch is ideal for holding cellphones, wallets, etc., but the space which falls between the pouch and the “basket” may also serve as a chamber to store larger items, such as tennis rackets and yoga mats.
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The Design Process
The Design Process Preliminary Sketches
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The Design Process Prototyping I: Construction Paper
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The Design Process Prototyping II: Nylon Webbing
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Table of Contents
Market Research Portfolio Value Capture Who is our target audience? We envision our customer to be modern, style-conscious, and eager to try new things. Our multi-functional product caters to both male and female clientele who fall within the mid- to high-income levels. To better understand our potential audience, we created mood boards and researched the current handbag market: what types of retailers are out there, what are the latest handbag trends, and what price points are designers currently setting their products.
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Analysis
Analysis Ongoing Challenges Current Status
As of now, the size of the “basket” can only be adjusted either by length or height. We had envisioned our product to be capable of adjusting in size by all dimensions. We continue to strive to find a solution.
Reflections Bringing the product from two-dimensional sketches into physical prototypes resulted in many discoveries and new questions to be considered. These included: - How will the “suspenders” meet at the bottom of the bag? - If the “belt” is supporting all the weight, how thick should it be? - What amount of spacing is appropriate between each “beltlet” and “suspender”? - How should the shoulder straps be attached to the bag? - Should the “suspenders” be fixed to the belt? If so, how will this affect size adjustability?
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Analysis Product Shots
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