DESIGN NAME: errant and cheval
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Adaptable Luggage
INSPIRATION: inspired by the slow movement, this luggage set focuses on adding functionality for travelers by providing easy access and size adaptability based on travel length
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Using traditional sewing and patterning methods, this luggage set offers new functionality for slow travelers.
The backpack is able to adapt to its contents, not being able to exceed the maximum carry on dimensions set by the airline industry. The handbag, following the same principles, rolls to expand or contract depending on the contents packed.
Material and form are strongly inspired by the history of leisure travel and the impact of industrial revolution in mass transportation.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: errant and cheval adapt depending on the contents packed by the user. A series of straps and pockets inside the backpack allow the user to quickly organize contents, which can be easily accessed when the backpack is unrolled, eliminating the need to pack and unpack at every destination.
Using a rolling technique, both the handbag and the backpack can increase in size if more contents are packed. The belt length in the backpack will not allow it to close if overall dimensions exceed what is stipulated by airlines as maximum carry on size.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project started December 2014 and finished June 2015.
This luggage set was based on graduate thesis research conducted during the development of my Master's Degree at Rochester Institute of Technology.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: This luggage set is constructed using a combination of materials for durability and aesthetic appeal. the outer layer is a combination of marine vinyl (leatherette finish) and industrial acrylic felt. Interiors are duck canvas for durability and rigidity. All hardware is brass.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: When flat packed, cheval (handbag) is 6 x 10 x 3 ", being able to expand up to 6 x 10 x 13 ".
When flat packed, errant (backpack) is 14 x 22 x 3 ", being able to expand up to 14 x 22 x 9 ".
TAGS: slow travel, slow movement, luggage, travel products, backpack, packing, travel, leisure
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: First phase was studying the evolution of leisure travel before and after the industrial revolution. In unison, understanding how the development of mass transportation influenced the way luggage was designed.
As a second phase, a user profile was developed and several subjects were interviewed to gain insight on travel practices, and opportunities.
Two dimensional development followed based on historical documentation and key functional needs. three dimensional concepts were then developed after which a pair of concepts was selected for final prototyping.
CHALLENGE: Finding a luggage solution for slow travelers in order to make the packing process more efficient and adaptable to the user.
The goal was to create a simple solution using basic materials and enclosures, following the inspiration of luggage used after the industrial revolution opened leisure travel to a broader audience.
The challenge was keeping it as simple as possible while providing a luggage solution that had never been done before.
ADDED DATE: 2018-05-29 22:08:48
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Location photography by Chelsea Clarke
Studio Photography by Kurtis Unruh-Kracke
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