TRVLPK

TRVLPAK (JV-01)

Transformative Travel Backpack for Stranded Traveler

designer: Jevrin Alviando Thesis Project - Industrial Design University of Houston - SP17

Copyright by Jevrin Alviando 2017

This project is dedicated to all travelers who are always up for an adventure and to the people who are looking for one, hope this inspires you to get out of your comfort zone and travel while you can!

2

TRVLPAK (JV-01) Transformative Travel Backpack for Stranded Situation

by Jevrin Alviando Spring 2017

Thesis Submitted to the University of Houston In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design 2017

Thesis Committee: EunSook Kwon, PHD Adam Wells Mark Kimbrough

3

4

“NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST” J.R.R TOLKIEN

ABSTRACT Traveling can be an exciting life experience. Often times, travelers are faced with many surprising circumstances on the way. Especially when you are adventurous and let life takes you on, you’ll never know what’s gonna happen. In particular, having your flight delayed or cancelled forcing you to stay in the airport is one of the worst things that could happen. Airport is already chaotic, full of people, some are humongous and like a maze. Imagine being stuck in it overnight, unprepared, feeling cold, and there’s nowhere to go. It can be your travel nightmare and kill joy.

This purpose of this project is to design a product that offers solution to an unexpected situation when traveling, such as being stranded at the airport.

TRVLPAK (JV-01) is a carry-on sized travel backpack that consists of (i) laptop pack, (ii) clothes pack, and (iii) body cover that all can be detachable and/or carry as one pack. TRVLPAK (JV-01) is designed for urban traveler that provides practicality and comfort when traveling.

Having been an avid traveler, I decided to walk in the shoes of a traveler and went on solo journeys. The most observations and experiences I had happened in the airports between each countries I’ve visited.

Keywords: Travel, Backpacking, Stranded, Comfort, Human-Centered Design

5

6

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 ABTRACT 15 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 19 CHAPTER II: RESEARCH 35 CHAPTER III: DEVELOPMENT 47 CHAPTER IV: SOLUTION 57 REFERENCES 59 VITAE 61 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

7

8

My hope is to turn my passion into creation that demonstrates how designers can help solve the problem through design thinking in situation often overlooked using human behavior as the focus of solutions.

9

TOPIC SELECTED In design issue class in Fall 2016, initial thesis topic was selected from a result of an exercise conducted in class to help students steer thesis subject decision.

Combining personal interests both in fashion and travel, I decided to focus on my backpacking experience and the products related to it.

WHY? HOW? TRAVEL Being an avid traveler, I decided to bring my passion and love of traveling into a depth and educational study research through observations and literature reviews.

APPAREL (FASHION) I always have an admiration for sophisticated and elegant elements of fashion that I enjoy to try that improves my personal style throughout the years of my life.

10

he kt c is th d ba eed e e n u rs tri u . pu til I g yo ally e o n n n t e u thin tio n b ns o a i y g o r t c io ss a e m r i opt pa teen y ev nd e e v f o r to int my car lly, a we ty o nd o s , h en e a ce y in a to nta nt e pl efin e a ir en earl ide me t ur r ar o r t , e e o e y u p l e t p x c th al r f ack tm ther ies i o y e l sin ner, sic f f t b s i y m gn go d so k i as tun i d rave gin ph c s e e e ho se t be g pa k or rn k d r w ocu tu d to s a ngin ck ma opp c a s pa ke -f t b to of ha se . A lle ck pac hion el bles ime cha gh ision om i a v r o c l b sh as e tra as t t m th de ee r ve fla a f or I w firs see a g f tr to n e n in ing I s e t. of ner rk o os fus ner ov jec or th k ca l o n o n o y ch con esig M s pr ng f pac sio egi to w , i v . g b i t f si ck ack in nd d n n a ry o ojec ck g a As a esig o pa a b a r d es go p kp tin . in us ate eal ac ida from ack c b r im e kp fo r c id Fo int oos bac ct nde my e n j n u a ch ve o pr fall bee to pro s i t s es a a im th rs th it h . s s t i e Th vel ng a duc tra cki pro pa od go

Y H P

O S ILO

N G I

PH

S E D

D gy N U olo t is

hn e n O ec ark rba t. t R s m r u is

x A k e. pac k fo ly e G n m e c i k K sig er t bac kpa bar e e C ed ov ever l bac does ack d ed sc ker.

A B olv ow rave ler ckp dict pac

k v h t ve ba pre bac s e ave, nd tra l T a e e a v h e h C le an h ory tra ng t utur y t e g i c f E s e iv

OJ

w f t t fe e na follo rio o l li e on g ca r e e , v c in alt ion na tra rien mp n h a a e r a fas as exp g/c o f y ing el kin ek ar ck trav r hi se por a o m p o ck ces ly f wh nte a e e n B a iv os co h s th and en xclu r e fo n is der t jec o ro for m p is d Th uite s

PR

11

PROJECT TIMELINE FALL 2016 Back in Houston, Texas and started my first half of Senior year in Industrial Design major. In Design Issue class, thesis topic was chosen.

PRELIMINARY RESEARCH Literature reviews, initial research, planning on conducting further research during winter break.

AUG

NOV

DEC

2016

2016

2016

SUMMER 2016

PHASE-01 (RESEARCH) Presented my thesis topic proposal to faculty and students.

ITALIA / HUNGARY / AUSTRIA / CZECH REPUBLIC / GERMANY / THE NETHERLANDS / DENMARK

WINTER 2016 SINGAPORE/ INDONESIA / MYANMAR (BURMA) / THAILAND / CAMBODIA / NEPAL

12

JAN

FEB

MAR

2017

2017

2017

PHASE-02 (IDEATION)

PHASE-03 (IMPLEMENTATION)

FINAL

In this phase, I presented research findings from the trips I did over the breaks.

Final design was finalized and presented to the faculty and students.

Prototyping was done during spring break week and works were submitted when we returned to school the following day from the break.

DESIGN PROCESS

EXPERIENCE - Backpacking - Observations - Thoughts - Motivations

LITERATURE REVIEW - History - Travel Trend - Flashpacking - Future of Backpacking

RESEARCH - Interviews - Surveys - Market Analysis - Opportunity - Target Users - Ergonomic

13

IDEATION - Concepts - Prototyping - User Scenario

REFINEMENT - Detail - Materials - Colors - Adjustment

14

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Study 1.2 Trends Transition

15

What is Backpacking?

1.1 Background Study Backpacking is usually describe as economy-sensitive, independent and often international way of traveling.

By definition, the term backpacking is used loosely.

Often times, backpacking is related to the activity of traveling outdoor in the wild correlate with camping and hiking. Today, backpackers are the people who travel between cities or countries for a long period of time, or the people who travel with suitcases and stay in hotels, or even work remotely.

The backpacker ideology: - travel on low budget - meet different people - be free - be independent and open-minded - travel as long as possible

From backpacking to flashpacking 1.2 TRENDS TRANSITION Backpacking does not get much attention in academic studies. Old-fashioned backpacker, a budget ‘light-traveler’ with a backpack traveling the world has changed into adventurer who relies on internet and makes use of technological tools as they travel.

This led to a question whether the backpack market will be able to maintain its traditional foundation, since everything we do now is digitalized and advanced alongside with technology that constantly improving and changing fast. Is the nature of backpacking changing, or the flashpacking trend is simply just a hype?

With the advanced technology and improved services, people now are able to travel easily. Smartphones and internet are major keys in enabling travel to be accesible and affordable to all kind of people. Travel is no longer part of luxury, but as a lifestyle. Study showed that factors who drive this change are ranging from emerging young travelers who have more disposable income, more advanced technology and its application in traveling. The supply and tourism industry is influenced by these factors.

Flashpacking also defined as ‘upscaled travel’, ‘business-class backpacking’, ‘backpacking with bucks and toys’, ‘ and ‘techno-traveling’.

Many tourism services now are suited to this new type of traveling, such as: airbnb, eurail, walking tour, pub crawl, hostels, pod-like hotels, car sharing, couchsurfing, etc.

16

17

18

CHAPTER II: RESEARCH 2.1 Research Goal & Questions 2.2 Future Backpacker 2.3 History of Backpack 2.4 Travel Experiences: Trips 2.5 Uncertainties 2.6 Challenges & Aims 2.7 Problem Statement

19

20

2.1 RESEARCH GOAL The goals of this research were to construct literature review on flashpacking, to make qualitative scenarios for future backpacker, and to offer a solution through new and alternative design.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. what are the drivers for change in backpack tourism?

2.. backpacker scenarios 3. characteristics of future backpacker

21

BACKPACKER IN 2030

22

Money-Saving Techno-Traveler

2.2 FUTURE BACKPACKER

Age: 18-30 years old Occupation: Mostly Students Family: Single/Couple

Throughout research process, it was essential to find out who the users are that I’m focusing on. There are a lot of different types of travelers, and we are all a part of it. For that effort, a scenario is made to vision what the future of backpackers would be like. Each scenario is a part of the result that was taken from tourism study, learning about travelers’ behaviors and finding solutions for supply and demand in tourism industries.

Price sensitive Use organized transportation Rely on internet for information Cosmopolitan

“FLASHPACKER”

(also: Digital Nomad, Global Travaler, RTW [Round-the-World] Traveler) Age: 20-30 years old Occupation: Young Professional Family: Single/Couple Independent Tech Savvy Adventurous Remote Worker

The Anti-Tech Glampacker Age: Ranging Occupation: Young Professional Family: Married Couple Technology is not important Stay in unique accomodations Adventurous Risk-averse

Primitive Green Backpacker Young travelers Spiritual-related travelrs Digital Nomads Price sensitive ‘Back-to-basic’ travelers Use local hospitality Slow travelers Eco-tourism & volunteerism oriented

23

“man has been carrying stuff on his back forever.

A backpack is nothing new.” - Nena Kelty

2.3 HISTORY OF BACKPACK There are plenty of backpacks on the market for any type of needs you might have. When go backpacking, it can be a daunting task to choose which backpack that would be the perfect one to carry your stuffs. Historically, backpack designs have gone through long evolutions. And even though the idea of carrying stuffs on your back isn’t really new idea or revolutionary, it is interesting to learn about how backpack design have gone through many iterations and uses over time.

24

EVOLUTION OF BACKPACK 1920s

Lloyd Nelson, hailed as the father of the outdoor sporting industry, was hiking around Alaska around 1920. He worked on an external frame pack design to disperse the weight more broadly across the back.

1930s

In the 1930’s, Diamond Brand began to manufacture tents and backpacks for the Boy Scouts of America. For many decades, Boy Scouts used this style of rugged pack.

1950s

1952 saw legendary Dick & Nena Kelty’s revolutionary design made all by hand. The first Kelty packs had shoulder straps with wool carpeting as padding, aircraft grade aluminum contoured frames, nylon pack cloth and back bands.

1970s

World War II and after, saw the traditional materials of leather or canvas for packs being edged out for Nylon. Nylon was gradually integrated into backpacks and made them more durable, lighter, and easier to navigate new designs.

1990s

The 1970s was the era of free spirits and this attitude heavily affected the design of backpacks. Light, easy to travel with and as inexpensive as possible was the direction design took.

2010s

25

These days, backpacks of all shapes and sizes line the walls of outdoor stores and department stores alike and are still as popular as ever. Many are built upon the innovations of the past.

22X14X9 CARRY-ON SIZE

“Traveling light is not about figuring out how big a bag you can take, or even what kind of bag provides the most storage; rather it’s about determining the minimum amount of stuff you truly need to cart around with you, and finding the smallest bag that will comfortably hold it.�

When flying, especially with those who are considered as economy airlines, typically there are size restrictions for bag allowance that can be carried and stored inside the cabin.

For most American arilines, backpacks that are allowed in the cabin must fit the size of 22 in (lenght) x 14 in (width) x 9 in (depth).

This is not an issue for travelers who usually check-in their bag. However, my focus and inspiration here is to use the limitation set by most airlines for carry-on backpacks. After all, this project is intended towards travelers who are practicing light-packing. It is not easy to be consistent when travel, as we always want to bring more. I took this limit as a guidance for the backpack design.

26

TRAVEL E X P E R I E N C E

2.4 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES: TRIPS I started backpacking way before I had a thought of doing my thesis based on it. As a part of research and further observations, I had planned to continue my solo backpacking trips to the other side of the world: SE Asia and Nepal.

At the end, I had packs of experiences from Europe and Asia that I gathered for my project development.

PLANS

LUGGAGE

Europe trips took me about 2 weeks. SE Asia and Nepal took me about 5 weeks.

I had two different backpacks for each trip. I had to pay for ecomomy airlines in most Asian countries

PASSPORT

WORK WHILE TRAVEL

As Indonesian passport holder, I was required to apply visa beforehand for EU, with exception of SE Asian countries, and visa-on-arrival for Nepal.

While on the trips in winter, I was catching up with thesis research and literature reviews. I had only iPad with me.

MEMORY

MONEY

Best experiences I had were captured with my iPhone and compact camera. I created a handy travel book dedicated to the trips separately alongside this book.

EU trips cost me about $2000, while SE Asia and Nepal cost me about $1700$1900 in total.

27

28

Travel Experience: Europe After finishing up my internship in Milan, Italy, I went on solo backpacking trips in few countries in Europe. This is the first time I had a thought on doing thesis based on travel experience.

Travel Experience: SE Asia & Nepal During winter break, I went back on solo backpacking trips to Southeast Asia and the Himalayas to conduct research and to observe more about traveler life

29

2.5 UNCERTAINTIES Traveling has unique conditions for different types of transportation. One of the experience that coould occur is when being stuck at the airport for whatever reasons. This particular unwanted experience happened to me during my trips.

In Europe, I missed my flight back from Amsterdam to Milan.

Although I could fly the same day, I was rerouted to Barcelona, Spain for a night and continue my flight the morning after. It was the first time I had missed my flight, and slept at the airport. As you could imagine, it was a very uncomfortable and cold night. I had to sleep on the floor, without a blanket or pillow. I noticed I was not the only one, there are other travelers as well who I shared the same situation of being stranded at the aiport.

Unfortunately, the same thing happened in few of my flight between my trips in SE Asia during my transits.

Observation Statement: Although situation like this where you are being stranded at the airport is quite minor, I believe that many travelers wish this would never happen them. Or at least that they would feel ready and comfortable if they happen to face the unfortunate situation. This realization and observation led me to focus on this particular situation and to bring this issue to find creative solution through design.

Other Issues: - Backpack doesn’t look suitable for global travel context (we’re not hikers) - Backpack weight restrictions and extra fee (for economy airline) - Limited mobility due to backpack weight - Lack of backpack flexibility due to sport activity on the trip - Rain cover doesn’t provide maximum protection for water resistance/proof - Unconscious user behaviour for backpack placement on the ground - Straps are annoyance

30

STRANDED AT THE AIRPORT

Example #1: People are sleeping on the chairs that are not comfortable as the hand rests are not removable or adjustable.

Also it got really cold during the night, and around 5 AM, the security woke people up with annoying whistles. Barcelona, Spain

Example #2: Two couple cuddled comfortably on a bare floor in front of me while transiting overnight on the flight to Myanmar. This couple share warmth to each other as there was no blanket or anything to cover. - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

31

2.6 CHALLENGES AND AIMS In pursuit of finding a good backpack suited for urban travelers, there are many cinsiderations that need to be taken into account when designing a new one, or redesigning the former model. Such challenges are good to use as measurements for design elements in the backpack.

My aim is to come up with a solution that answer the need for a backpack that will provide safety and comfort, but at the same time putting it in a stylish category as the backpack is part of fashion statement.

Function (features) Minimalist look on the outside with maximum capacity inside.

Material (durability + weight) Using lightweight and durable material

Security Providing exclusive access to the traveler for theft prevention

32

2.7 PROBLEM STATEMENT I want it to be subdued, rugged looking, not looking like a target.

I want it to be a pack for the rest of your life, one pack for your travel experience.

I want it to be a pack that you can carry in cities, offices, and trail without looking like you’re out of place.

As I put myself being a backpacker, I started to notice how people carry their backpack. And I wonder how did they pack, how they decide to carry it with them to travel, how proud they are with their backpack, how did they get it, how they decided to purchase it, how did it make them feel?

ADAPTABLE TRAVEL BACKPACK FOR URBAN TRAVELER: PEOPLE WHO AIM FOR ADVENTURE, WHILE ENSURING SAFETY AND COMFORT FOR THE PACK.

DESIGN OBJECTIVE: REDESIGN TRAVEL BACKPACK FOR FLASHPACKER WHO GOES BACKPACKING

DESIGN QUESTION: HOW CAN DESIGN HELP TRAVELER BE PREPARED FOR UNEXPECTED SITUATION IN EMOTIONAL AND STYLE SENSE?

33

34

CHAPTER III: DEVELOPMENT 3.1 Market Research 3.2 Persona 3.3 Materials 3.4 Concept 3.5 Prototyping

35

CREATIVE SOLUTION 3.1 MARKET RESEARCH Currently, there are plenty of backpack designs that people can choose from that would meet their traveling needs. However, travel backpack barely exist and many companies are strating to come up with innovative designs that would attract the travelers of today and tomorrow.

But on the creative side, there are some solutions to cut the luggage fee. One of few examples is wearable luggage. This by no means is a backpack replacement, but I found this idea to be very interesting and creative.

Observation Statement: Although I think wearable luggage is an interesting idea in travel accesories, I personally consider that this would not be a maximum (or preferred) solution for light-packing travelers. However, apart from being looking gimmcky and funny, I learned and believed that there is a room for creativity and improvement in backpack market.

36

37

Backpacking in S. America, carrying laptop for editing pictures, camera, tablet

BENJAMIN

+ need protective space for camera, + need daypack for carrying laptop to coffeeshop

FRANCE

Flashpacker/Digital Nomad

Travel around SE Asia countries with tablets, GoPro, powerbank, camera + need enough space for work stuffs, while able to pack + need easy access to small stuffs at the airport

FRAN + VINCENTE CHILE

Travelers/Interns Abroad

Traveling the world with wheeled backpack + wishes detachable fanny pack + wants backpack that is durable for public transporation

EMIL

AUSTRALIA

RTW (Round-the-World)Traveler

3.2 PERSONA During my travels, I was lucky to meet other travelers and share my itineraries together with some of them. With them I gathered few questions and asked them about their experiences in traveling.

For my project, I gathered their responses and then I formulated personas that I thought would fit into my design intent.

These personas are guidelines for ideation process during prototyping.

38

3.3 MATERIALS For the backpack, I chose military grade tarpaulin, which is a material usually used for outdoor equipment such as tent. Tarpaulin is known for its great capability to withstand extreme weather. The same reason I use for the backpack.

Moreover, some outer layer is covered with SuperFabric materials that provide abrassion resistance. This material is proven for its maximum capability based on multiple layers of plates in between fabric. This way, oil and water are not easily penetrating the interior of the bag.

39

3.4 CONCEPT Ideation was made with the scenario. The selected user scenario was a concept of a backpack of a size in a carry-on. A laptop pack and the clohes pack are separatable and can be used individually.

The shape is modular, to offer maximum capacity for all belongings. The back opening is thought to be a security purpose where user don’t have to worry about thief to open their backpack without realizing.

40

Easy access for phone, passport, etc.

Back access opening to prevent theft

Designated compartments for clothing, etc

41

42

43

44

45

JV-01

46

CHAPTER IV: SOLUTION Minimalist travel backpack designed to be a carry-on for travel essentials and electronics that also transform into protective cover to maintain body heat at unexpected situation, such as being stranded at the airport.

FEATURES: The pack has two compartments that can be detached from each other with zipper that wraps around it.

Vest-like shoulder strap is designed to contain important documents and personal belongings for quick access, such as passport, boarding pass, and wallet.

Close to your body so you worry less when roaming about at the airport.

The shape is modular for space maximization while the opening from the back provide security.

The padded fabric on the front can be used as a comfortable surface when resting at the airport.

47

H: 17.5in

W: 12.5in D: 8.5in

Carry-On Size JV-01 Travel Backpack is designed to meet most airlines’ restricted dimension. It fits under seat on plane, and cabin overhead.

48

Hidden Zipper

Pocket for Travel Docuents, Phone, Wallet, Keys

Accessibility + Security Inspired by MOLLE vest used in military, JV-01 implemented the idea to keep personal belongings that need immediate access to be easily reached. Front pockets with invisible zipper can hold important documents such as boarding pass and passport, also space for smartphone and wallet.

49

Hardware Zipper

Padded Foam for extra protection and a temporary cushion

Padded Foam

13-15�

Ergonomic

Durability

JV-01 travel backpack has padded foam in areas where it is crucial to be comfortable when carried around with heavy loads.

Other padded area is the laptop compartment to protect your electronic and front panel that can be used as temporary resting pad to rest your head on.

JV-01 travel backpack is made of unconventional material, Tarpaulin, which usually used for outdoor gear for its capability to withstand extreme weather. Same reason for the backpack to protect what traveler carries inside without needing extra cover for rain or abrasion.

50

CARRY IT YOUR WAY JV-01 travel backpack has multiple ways to be carried depends on your travel style and need:

1. As one pack, so you can increase your mobility, get out faster, and save money on baggage fee.

2. Detached laptop compartment to work at coffee shop or roam the city, and 3. Detached main compartment that you can leave at hostel or airbnb, or cabin/under plane seat.

51

52

COVER UP Airport doesn’t always provide blanket for everyone, and it can get colder at night.

JV-01 got your back. Literally ;-) Open flaps that cover the backpack on the front, expand and flip to front into a poncho-like cover to maintain body heat when you’re being stranded at the airport.

Outer material is made of water-resistant polyester, protect from wind and rain. The inner side is of ‘solarize’ fabric to keep your body heat.

53

54

55

56

REFERENCES MATERIAL

http://www.thorncrestoutfitters.com/gearguide/ bpack-padding.htm https://www.whitemountain.com.au/backpack-construction/material-faqs.html

BACKPACK DIY TUTORIALS (ONLINE)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVyxGTqhOwg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOTBTeEHQFo http://www.nwbackpacker.com/index.php/diy-ultralight-backpack/ http://www.backpacking.net/makegear/pack-rodney/ index.htm http://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html http://diygearsupply.com/diy-guides/backpack/

BACKPACK HISTORY

http://www.padandquill.com/blog/2016/01/27/ an-american-history-of-the-backpack/

MARKET RESEARCH

http://www.jaktogo.com/Index/ https://www.scottevest.com http://www.stuffa.co.uk http://www.carryology.com/travel/how-to-beat-airlinebaggage-fees-wearable-luggage/ https://www.aarnpacks.com/x-factor http://www.carryology.com/insights/insights-1/anatomy-of-a-good-bag/

57

58

60

ACKNOWLDEGEMENT Special thanks to the people who have helped me with this project and for their inspiring spirits in traveling.

I am forever grateful for rmy dad, Alberto Cavallini, who enables me to travel and who provides me the life I never imagined of having.

Tantissimi grazie, Alberto, Ti voglio bene.

To my family and relatives back home, thank you for your support and prayers. Terima kasih banyak buat mama Yona, ii Yoti, Cherry, Ko Along, Glorius, Yogi, Ciu Peng-Peng, ii Yoni, ii Yopi, dll.

Last but not least, thanks to Professors and to my dear ID family in the class of 2017. I love you all. We struggled together, shared so many good memories, and we finally made it to the end! I hope we all keep in touch and see you at the top !

THANK YOU TERIMA KASIH GRAZIE MILLE

61

62

@jevaldo jev.aldo@yahoo.com jevaldo.com

63