Learning Artifact Design

Beta Week

(brand name)Ridgewood West

Ridgewood West is a brand name. I decided to name a brand instead of the bag itself because the bag and the mechanism of one accessory having various functions can be implemented into many different styles and become a whole product family. I wanted it to appeal to a broad audience but the target demographic is definitely people who travel, often by foot or public transportation. I gave it such a place-name to appeal to people who travel but also want to stay classy. I choose Ridgewood because it is a town in NYC but it also has 'wood' in the name, so it wouldn't put off those who aren't "city-people" and still have a homey feel.

Artifact in its various modes: Shopping bag, Backpack, Bracelet, Clutch, Arm Bag

Problem Statement: Throughout the day I will have, lose, and/or acquire a handful of things and I need something to contain these items that is only as cumbersome and large as the load it is currently carrying, and does not need excess attention to keep track of it.

Primary Needs:

The product is aesthetically pleasing.

The product is the right size.

The product stays with the user through vigorous motion.

The product is durable.

The product is the right price for the value.

The product leaves the user hands-free/does not require continual use of hand or arm.

Project Next Steps:
1. Create a pattern for re-creating the artifact
2. Experiment with different closures and fasteners; currently using snaps.
3. Experiment with different types of fabric. Thinner and lighter fabric for a more comfortable bracelet mode. Waterproof fabrics for a more functional shopping bag and backpack mode(in case a water bottle leaks, etc)
4. Experiment with different types of straps, chain, etc

Difficulties: In beta week, I wanted to make a better looking version of my beta. However, I've had a lot of work and the nearest fabric store is a few miles away so I wasn't able to get fabric, zippers or buttons. I had to make due by cannibalizing a scarf.

Alpha Week

The product is aesthetically pleasing.

The product is the right size.

The product stays with the user through vigorous motion.

The product is durable.

The product is the right price for the value.

The product leaves the user hands-free/does not require continual use of hand or arm.

Alpha Prototype: Bag/Accessory

Inactive Modes

Fold and Slide onto arm as armband

Fold and Wrap on wrist as wristband/bracelet

Fold to put into pocket

Active Modes - Bag configurations to hold different amounts of stuff or to hold the bag differently

Folded up as handbag

Snaps keep the bag folded

Unfolded to hold more stuff and carry as tote.

Unsnap handle cords to let out slack for the backpack mode

Backpack mode

Concept:

The product is aesthetically pleasing.

The product is the right size.

The product stays with the user through vigorous motion.

The product is durable.

The product is the right price for the value.

The product leaves the user hands-free/does not require continual use of hand or arm.

Concept Test: I used the "alternatives" method to test the concept. In comparison to its direct competitors, traditional carrying mechanisms, how does the concept stack up?, is what I wanted to investigate. Since the alternatives are wide spread, backpacks, purses, etc people have an idea of what the alternatives do, look like, and offer them. My challenge was that the concept does not have such clear and widespread recognition of its use and worth and is only a sketch, while the alternatives are real every-day products. Thus, in my concept test, I presented the alternatives in a generic sketch form so as to be of similar appearance of the concept. I presented some target users with a scenario, and the concept and 3 alternatives to be chosen to address the scenario as follows:

Some responses:

"In order, I would choose A, C, B, D. I don't like carrying things if I can help it so having things that I can sling over my back or shoulder is nice."

"B. It is what i use now except mine has a strap that i can sling over my shoulder. The good thing about handbag is that it is versatile so it can be worn in many different kinds of situations"

"A, although yesterday I did D"

" C I can cram multiple things in it and my hands are free (I have backpacks of multiple sizes for most occasions) but I do use small shoulder strap B if I only need somewhere to put a wallet and phone"

" B - Handbag with shoulder straps but what I actually use now is more of a nicer tote bag.... It looks better at work and mine are big enough to carry books and lunch. Bookbags can be too big/ bulky for what I generally need"

Prototyping 4.2

Three Prototypes: Scarf Bag, Canvas Roll, Net Bracelet
Prototype strategy: Focused, Physical
Focused Dimension: How product changes shape to be portable and carry more/less

G. Scarf Bag

F. Net Bracelet

C. Canvas Roll

Tested all the prototypes with holding this book:

Notes:

-Couldn't get any net type material for the Net Bracelet. Used solid fabric which seemed to work ok.

-Folding the net bracelet seemed to be more efficient and space saving than rolling the canvas roll.

-Surprisingly the scarf bag did not become unbalanced with the book in one side. It wasn't heavy and didn't irritate the neck.

-Material used was thin so have to balance the fabric material's ability to fold with the aesthetic qualities of different, thicker fabrics.

Concept Selection 4.1

Question 3.2

Footstool in 2pt perspective

Question 3.1 10 Alternatives

Decomposition by Needs

Primary Needs
Product is aesthetically pleasing.
Product is right size (for your object).
Product stays with the user through vigorous motion.
Product is durable.
Product is right price for the value.
Product leaves the user hands-free/does not require continual use of hands.

Solutions to subproblems in isolation

Product is aesthetically pleasing.
Aesthetically pleasing solutions: products that use circles, leather goods, colorful products, clear/glass

Product is right size (for your current object).
Variable size solutions: product stretches(lycra, elastic, etc), product accordions, product folds, product molds, product self-adheres

Product is durable.
Durable product solutions: product made of metal, product made of canvas, product made of leather

Product leaves the user hands-free/does not require continual use of hands.
Hands-free solutions: backpacks, pockets, hovering device that carries your things, conveyor belt that carries things and moves them about the room with you.

Decomposition by Sequence of User Actions

Sequences:
User Energy - Signal - Product Material

User carries product around-> Is the stuff secure? -> Is it in the way?

User packs -> Product holds -> User unpacks -> Product vacates-> Still need to carry stuff?-> Product holds

Product holds-> Is it in the way? -> Product makes itself discrete/unobtrusive-> Is the stuff secure in the product?

Product holds-> User unpacks-> Product vacates-> Still need to carry stuff?-> Product makes itself discrete/unobtrusive

Sequence subproblems

Unobtrusive+holds
Solutions: cubby, bag check, leave it behind and come back for it

Secure+holds
Solutions: stash under clothes, give it to a friend/trusted party

Secure+Reusable
Solutions: locks, floor/wall safes

Decomposition by Function

Functions: holds, accessorizes

Holding
Solutions: cup, bucket, box, book bag, bowl, purse

Accessorizing
Solutions: hat, scarf, jacket, belt, collar, handkerchief, shoes

10 Alternatives

a. accordion bag