Rea'rain'ge

‘ REA RAIN’GE

Brief Western Washington University teamed up with McNett Corporation, a local outdoor care and repair company in a five week project during winter 2013. McNett asked us to create new products that would relate to their current repertoire of hiking, fishing, camping, diving and tactical gear but also push into new market segments. These products were to provide outdoor enthusiasts with new ways to customize their gear.

Research • Why do humans customize their belongings?

• In what ways do people customize their gear?

• What are some methods people use to distinguish their possessions?

• What are some motives people have for customizing their items?

attaching a lanyard for ease and convenience

posters to create a comforting, homey space

showing personal style through gems and icons

expressing interests though bumper stickers

differentiating your posessions from others by dying

showing achievement through patches

differentiating keys from each other by color

commemorating an event by drawing

IDEATION

‘ REA RAIN’GE

Rea ’ rain’ge is a customizable rainproof pack cover for kids. Siliconized nylon repels water and the cover cinches over a variety of pack sizes using elastic. Rea ’ rain’ge:

• protects backpack and contents from rain • gets kids involved in taking care of their gear • boosts spirits in less-than-ideal weather • provides a creative activity for down time

When the sun comes out, Rea’ rain’ge packs down into a pouch that is attached to the inside of the pack cover.

Small and lightweight, it takes up minimal space in the backpack.

Customization Clear Velcro dots cover the pack in an offset grid pattern

Foam shapes with Velcro backs attach to pack

Different features can be used to create custom faces... a cat, a bear, a penguin, a monster, or whatever you think of!

Foam shapes are safely stored in the zipper pocket when not in use.

‘ REA RAIN’GE