Revised color variations

Target setting

I set the main target group as style conscious individuals in their late 20’s onward.

Material hunting 002

In-class presentation 001

Design ideas

Features:

Front and back pockets

Length adjustable handle ( when shorten it, able to use as a tote)

Fits a laptop computer vertically

Inside organization spaces

Features:

Expandable, foldable

Front and back pockets

Fits a laptop vertically

Inside + bottom organization spaces

Features:

Interchangeable handles

Front and back pockets

Inside organization spaces

Fit a laptop vertically

Color wish list

Possible material options

Concept setting

Air Cell

Yuri Endo 2011

A laptop carrier by Aircell.

Pros:

Great protection function

Strong

Water resistant

Cons:

Slightly heavy

Heavy

Conceptual sketch

My scrabbles from brainstorming session

Based on my analysis, below seem to be what I am looking for the general design functions;

1. Conventional shape and color with a bit of edge that can be suitable for almost every occasions.

2. Lightweight

3. Water resistant

4. Strong protection inside

5. Additional interchangeable functions:

-Fit all 3 sizes of MacBook Pro * either expandable or

13 inch (H: 2.41㎝ W: 32.5㎝ D: 22.7㎝ W:2.04kg)

15 inch (H: 2.41㎝ W: 36.4㎝ D: 24.9㎝ W: 2.54kg)

17 inch (H: 2.50㎝ W: 39.3㎝ D: 26.7㎝ W: 2.99kg)

-Organization spaces for computer necessities and valuables

-Length adjustable handles

Simply Wow

Yuri Endo 2011

Criss+Cross Design from Switzerland 1860-2010 Catalogue

Even the catalogue is functional and stylish.

That's very Swiss of you

Yuri Endo 2011

29 Justitia cake plate by Gessaga Hindermann

This cake plate designed by Gessaga Hindermann was spotted in "The Tiny Helper" section which somehow reminded me of a device that helps us making a perfectly triangled rice ball and Godfather Spaghetti Measuring Device. There is an alternative version of the very plate which I also found witty.

Since I only had a few Swiss friends and encounters in the past, I'm hesitant to stereotypicalize Swiss cultural identity, however upon reviewing their past works online I came to enjoy the Swissness that are reflected on the products.

Swiss Design

Yuri Endo 2011

Criss+Cross Design from Switzerland @ Korea University

This retrospective traveling exhibition covers the highlights and the history of timeless, functional and highly stylish Swiss design beyond Helvetica, Swiss army knife and Freiteg. Let alone the presented products, its presentation and use of the space and lighting overall were remarkable.

Pictured above is one of the highly practical wooden show cases designed by Roland Eberle, which enable the whole presentation to travel one country to another with lighting function.

See more images from the exhibition

Laminated bubble wrap

www.skynewtypeshop.com

A bubble wrap bag by FOCA which I purchased at The National Art Center Tokyo and use to store my external hard drives, mouse and other computer neccesities.

Material:

Bubble wrap (Polyethylene)

Polyolefin(Polyethylene)*lamination

Pros:

Super strong

Lightweight

Playful and functional design

High protection function

Water resistant

Polyester mesh + Memory foam

Yuri Endo 2011

A no brand laptop carrying case that I purchased in an electric store in Tokyo. I have been using it for over 5 years which perfectly fit both of my old 12 and new 13 inch laptops.

Material: Polyester mesh, Memory foam*lining

Pros:

Lightweight

Strong

Heat resistant

Great protection function

Super simple structure and design

Recycled PVC banners

Yuri Endo 2011

A wallet by Tela Bags which I purchased at MoMA store during Destination: Portugal.

Material:

recycled advertising banners (made from discarded PVC banners)

Pros:

Extremely strong

Water resistant

Well tailored

Playful graphics

Cons:

Inflexible

Could be heavy when the very material is used to create a bag

Tyvek

Yuri Endo 2011

A Mighty Wallet which is one of the long seller products in MoMA Store. I have been interested in this material for quite some time and depending on the amount and price that I could find in Seoul, I would like to explore more on it for my bag project.

Material:

Tyvek ( a micro fiber)

Pros:

Super strong

Lightweight

Tear resistant

Water resistant

Stain resistant

Expandable

Long lasting

Recyclable

Cons:

High market price

Canvas

Yuri Endo 2011

A playful souvenir from Singapore designed by Robin Ruth.

Material:

Canvas

Pros:

Extremely strong

light

Well structured (especially the bottom part)

Perfect handle length

Cons:

Non water resistant

Uncooperative graphics (unless you are a cultural attaché of Singapore)

Yuri Endo 2011

An eco friendly shopping bag by Swimmer which was my emergency purchase during a heavy shopping spree in Tokyo.

Material:

Pros:

Extremely strong and light

Large

Great handle length

Foldable

Water resistant

Cons:

No zipper

Noisiness

No protection function

Nylon

Yuri Endo 2011

My very recent purchase and favorite is this eco friendly bag produced by a Spanish department store, El Corte Inglés.

Material:

Nylon

Pros:

Super light, big and strong.

Foldable and fit in to the attached mini bag when not in use.

Relatively water resistant.

2 kinds of handles with different length.

Cons:

No zipper.

No organization spaces.

Easy to get wrinkled and hard to get rid of it.

Polyester + Cotton

Yuri Endo 2011

A funky tote by Brown Bagger (sold at a seoul based retail store, ALAND) which I often use as a laptop carrier.

Material:

Polyester(100%)

Cotton (100%)

Pros:

Looks pricier than it actually is.

Simple structure with a side pocket for organization.

Polyester fringe serves as protection.

Fits all the necessities yet does not look too expanded.

Cut out for almost any occasions and out fits.

Cons:

Non water resistant.

Handle length is perfect yet it gives shoulder pain when there is too much weight within.

No zipper.

Yuri Endo 2011

My absolute favorite, a geometric tote by Pleats Pleas Issey Miyake. This model is lighter, softer and more flexible than Bao Bao signature models. This bag enables me to fit my 13inch laptop and other computer necessities without problems.

Material:

Pros:

Beautifully designed

Super light, soft, strong and flexible

Slightest protection function in the material

No shoulder pain

Cons:

No zipper.

Weak in water resistance.

Incapable of fitting valuables and amenity goods.

Cotton

Yuri Endo 2011

Prada Spots shoulder

Material: Cotton (100%), Leather*trim (100%), Polymide *lining(100%)

Cotton

Yuri Endo 2011

Previously introduced shoulder bag by Prada Sports.

Material:

Cotton (100%)

Leather*trim (100%)

Polymide *lining(100%)

Pros:

Extremely Strong

Light

HIgh durability

Meticulously tailored

Suitable for many occasions

Numerous organization spaces

Semi water proof

Cons:

Handle malfunction

Slightest color and material decay

No protection function

Nylon tulle + Nylon taffeta

Yuri Endo 2011

Previously introduced Porter backpack by Yoshida & Co.

Material:

Nylon tulle

Nylon taffeta*lining

Pros:

Extremely strong

Light

Things inside fits compactly

Meticulously tailored

Protection function

Semi water proof

High durability

Cons:

Unsuitable for many occasion

The key to success

I have learned an effective use of double sided tapes (thinly sliced) from Ms. Jiyoun Lee of 2 in Asia. These tapes would for sure come in handier than glue or needles to complete meticulous garment patching works for prototype bags.

The most helpful map in Seoul

The very map I have been longing for over a year provided by Prof. Dichiara's studio. This would help me shopping productively without getting lost for hours in the markets.

Material hunting 001

Yuri Endo 2011

@ Bangsang Market in Seoul

One of the great advantages as a deign student in Seoul is probably the numerous markets filled with retail stores where you can buy various materials; from gigantic metals to little buttons. Its down side are locating the stores and communicating with sellers...

Inconsiderble differences

I have been looking for a perfect laptop carrying container for over 10 years. Since the conventional computer bags in the market are often too bulky and business like, it is extremely difficult to match with my social environment. In that sense, I have tried Prada to nada, high end designers’ bags to freebies which I equally found unsuitable for my precious laptop.

On that note, I started my research from analysing functions and materials of the bags in my possession;

1. Overweight:

The container itself is already heavy. When I carry my 13 inch laptop ( 2.04 kg) around all day, my shoulder often ends up getting bruised or suffering from severe tensions at the end of the day.

2. Unorganized:

There is no enough spaces to fit or arrange additional gears, such as a battery charger, hard drives and mouse. This makes me no choice but buying an extra container fits inside the bag for organization.

3. Excessively Absorptive:

Non-water resistant. When it rains I have to hide my bag inside of my clothing to protect from damages.

4. Inflexible:

The handles are either too long or short and non adjustable for multipurpose uses.

Doesn't fit all lap top seizes. When I renewed my laptop from a 12 Inch to a 13inch, the bag I had been using went to sleep in my closet.

My prolonging quest for Prince Charming

Yuri Endo 2011

My current laptop bags ; a Porter backpack by Yoshida & Co which I possess since I was in high school, and a shoulder bag by Prada Sports which used to be my mother's. Both are not perfect enough as laptop carriers, to say the least.

How I should swell

Below is my course plan for the semester;

1. Research and development:

Exploration of the possibilities of new trends, technologies and materials.

2. Prototyping and evaluation:

Development of a conceptual model to construct prototypes to achieve evaluation.

3. Exhibition and installation:

Demonstration and installation in a public space.

4. Documentation:

Documentation of the project contains philosophy, research, photography, video, and possible future development of said product and process.

Brief and wondrous research blog

Thank you for visiting Design Me Swell. The prime purpose of this blog is to document developments and process of the course, Product Design Studio II and Independent Study I, both conducted by Professor/Designer Andrea Dichiara at IDAS (Hongik University) in corporation with a Seoul based Design studio, 2 in Asia, which aims to explore trends, functionalities, technologies and materials to develop a "working container" for electric devices with additional practicality and prevailingness. Please sit back and enjoy my compelling journey.