Concept:

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.

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"