Mod-Pac : Modularity on the move

Mod-Pac Modularity on the Move

Contents

01.

01 Research

08.

Design

16.

Develop

36.

Credits

Research

01.

Analysis Map

SELF ACTUALISE

The vertical axis of the map is a translation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs into a consumer’s Hierarchy of Needs, Desires and Aspirations (conn,2019). Nair (2018) suggests that the most meaningful experiences provide the highest level of empowerment. “Empowerment” meaning, the emotional connection made with services and products and how those emotions empower us to do things we couldn’t or wouldn’t do without them.

The horizontal axis of the map is based on levels of “interactivity”, from passive (such as, a paper clip) to highly immersive (such as, a JCB truck). Although function can be a part of a design’s level of interactivity, this axis also serves to measure how many senses are activated and how deeply engaging the interactivity is overall.

BELONGING & LOVE NEEDS

SAFETY NEEDS PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS

AESTHETIC NEEDS

NEED TO KNOW & UNDERSTAND ESTEEM NEEDS

DYNAMIC

CREATIVE

INTELLIGENT

PERSONAL

COHERENT

NATURAL

ESSENTIAL

T

Based on findings sourced from Mitchell (2019)

ARTISTIC

ENRICHED

The artistic quadrant represents pure beauty, without much function or interaction and focuses on fashion

The enriched quadrant represents the combination of function and beauty, engages multiple senses and tends to be lifestyle focused

BASIC

VERSATILE

The basic quadrant is utilityfocused and requires little involvement from the user

The versatile quadrant represents high levels of functionality, invites interaction, and is technology focused

Persona Mapping

Evaluative mapping based on desk-based research on social media (Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest). A developed understanding on consumer’s character and interests summarised into 3 key personas.

This market segment enjoys an enriched lifestyle, busy schedules fuel a desire for simple accessories.

This fashionconscious segment requires the bag to fit seamlessly into any outfit but stil function to a good level.

As young university students with a growing interest in clean trends, this market segments desire for a sustainably sourced product is held in high regard.

Competitive Mapping

A true and pure fashion statement; this Louis Vuitton Palm Springs bag that is big enough only for a phone, purse, and maybe another additional item.

Funcionality at its best puts the osprey in the basic quadrant, utility focused.

Evaluation of observational research conducted in Manchester, reviewing the current market. Highlighting 6 competitors and evaluating their purpose in order to identify a gap in the market.

Made of canvas and leather, this style of bag is both fasahionable and lifestyle focused. i.e. a woodsman may use this style bag.

A combination of versatility and lifestyle focused places the Shell more toward the enriched quadrant.

A mixture of funtion and versatility placed the wayks backpack in between the two quadrants.

This innovative backpack is far into the versatile quadrant for its ability to be swung around in an easy motion.

Market Forecast

Concluding primary research, the map below highlights the area of opportunity, taking into consideration the current market and target audience.

Design Criteria

Using in-depth research to create a set of design requirements (as seen below), provided is a visual gauge on how to evaluate concepts against the design criteria.

Example 5 4

3

2 1

Osprey Daylite Versatility Organisation Switch & Go Smart Storage Customisable

-

4 3 1 2 2

08.

Design

Concept Ideation

Frame Iteration

Investigating Materials

Using the ‘Ultimaker 3’ 3D printer and its double extrusion technology, the print allowed for a PLA body and PVA support, which meant effortless and clean support detachment

Attempting to cut and shape the frame out of sheet aluminium came with many altercations.

The main being that small details were difficult to cut out when using a jigsaw

Laser-cut MDF meant laser precision but at the cost of losing the frames double curvature, 6mm MDF is also relatively weak in flexibility when it comes to a curved structures

Material Assessment

After creating a 1:1 scale model, wood no longer was a viable option. Stress points overcame the material and cracks formed, causing weak points in the frame

With aluminium being such a stubborn material and the manufacturing process taking so long, it had to be ruled out as a possible final material

After evaluating all material options, 3D printing became the clear and obvious option with its ability to print any curve with ease and keep the structural integrity

Develop

16.

Adapting the Frame

Very early frame ideation and getting a sense of scale, this model quickly became outdated as it was both too bulky and lacklustre in its design.

These first few iterations were merely to gain a sense of scale and ergonomics; before thinking in detail the intricacies of how the frame would actually work in real life.

A mid-late version of the frame shows how the ideation evolved from its chunky predecessors into a more complex and thought-out form.

At this point in the project, questions on how the bags would attach to the frame were raised and then worked out through a combination of sketches and CAD.

This version of the frame is almost at its final stage, all of the important fittings have been added such as, areas for padding and holes for the, soon to be added, shoulder straps.

Once all of the integral parts were added, the process of shaving weight and material began, also adding on the attachment holes.

Concept for Development

The final CAD model, complete with fittings, attachment key holes, and weight saving wing cavities.

All previous versions lead up to the concept above, various changes and alterations whether they be minor or large have come to an all-encompassing final form.

Introduction to Cabin Max “Re-imagine post covid travel luggage” was the challenge set by partner company ‘Cabin Max’ at the very start of the project. Since then, the relationship between myself and CabinMax has grown tremendously.

Despite first meeting the Cabin Max team (Martin and Sean) online, due to the pandemic, this did not impair our ability to start off on the right foot; we spoke of the project and what it would entail, but because it was the project’s early days it was mainly an introduction to myself as a designer.

Once the research phase had passed and the project became more hands on, Martin and the team invited me to their warehouse based in Wrexham. Upon arrival, Martin and Sean greeted me with a tour of their facilities and kindly contributed toward the project by granting many of Cabin Max’s previous products.

As the project progressed Martin offered the use of CabinMax’s prototyping facility ‘Dankin Light Industrial’ based in China, an exciting opportunity that couldn’t be turned down.

Designing for China

Calculated Composition

Mod-Pac Prototype 25L 2021 - All Measurments in MM Bag Exterior

15

70

173

62

15 30 15 6 74 135

5 10

150 115 45 17 50 130

60

182

108

270 95 200

420 21

30

90

225

72

20 60

135

Arc Length

50 15 195

20

283 320

150

85

Sling Prototype 8L 2021 - All Measurments in MM Bag Exterior 228

18

18

45

5 20

10 5

10

10

6

244

10 97

70

97

10

18 25

25

90

10

28

70

60

67

12

10 250

55

5

16

200

15 230

Due to the language barrier, design language played a crucial role in this part of the project.

Using minimal language and a lot of source imagery, the visuals above and on the previous three pages are what got sent over to the team at Dankin Light Industrial.

200

16

Communicating Overseas Upon receiving the completed prototype, it wasn’t without its flaws, shown below are errors that came with the prototype and how they were corrected.

If this bag to go onto mass manufacture the next step once receiving this prototype would be an amendment prototype, followed by a pre-production prototype, then followed by a fabric and quality check before being released for public sales.

Handle fabric not the same shade of blue as the zips

Originally attached by zips, however too Inconvenient and time consuming to use and so, magnetic fittings were added in place of zips

Back straps were added to the prototype that had to be removed

What Happens Next?

Amendment prototype

Pre-production prototype

1st prototype

Fabric & quality check

Modelling

As shown on the left, originally there was space on the back of the frame for a support beam, this quickly became an outdated idea as it added unnecessary weight

The model shown on the right is the final model mock-up made of grey board, important measurements were sketched onto the back of the frame for a sense of scale and when making the CAD version

Straps, mesh and padding were all added to this mock-up, ensuring everything fitted well both aesthetically and ergonomically.

All measurements are 1:1 on this model for CAD reference

Concept Developed

Shown here is the completed frame equipped with cushioned straps, added chest suppport, padding in points of contact with the frame, and a mesh back support to allow comfort and air flow through the users back.

Production Problems

- Due to the size of the frame (450mmx300mm) the print had to be produced on our commercial 3D printer with a larger bed size than the Ultimaker printers.

- Our commercial 3D printer consistently broke down and missprinted - In response to this problem came the splitting up of the CAD model, shown on the right.

- With the Ultimaker bed size being 180mmx180mmx200mm, the frame had to be quartered and have fittings made so the pieces fit flush together.

- After numerous failed Ultimaker prints, it was then clear that there was a requirement for different printers.

- This opened talks with mechanical engineering over at Thornton Campus and arranging a full-scale print in blue.

- Eventually, the commercial printer at Kingsway Campus printed a full model with no imperfections whatsoever.

Successful Solutions

Mod-Pac

These developed prototypes display the switch and go modularity Mod-Pac has to offer.

Variation of bag style can be utilised and effectively used on the Mod-Pac, anything from a three-piece bag which is presented to the left, effective for separate storage for example, wet towels from a day at the beach.

Alternatively, the user could switch to a 30L roll bag, presented above; straightforward, utilitarian, substantial storage for anything and everything.

For everyday use, the user can opt for a two-piece bag, with detaching sling bag storage, shown on the next page, perfect for the commute to work or a city break.

Mod-Pac

Credits 36.

Conn,R. (2021). ‘6 Rules of Product Design According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ Retrieved from https://www.productplan.com/blog/product-designmaslows-hierarchy-of-needs/ DankinBags (2021) ‘product category’ retrieved from https://dankinbags. en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2700.shop_pl.88.16 Cabin Max (2021) ‘Outdoor Day Trips, Picnics and Adventures’ retrieved from https://cabinmax.com Nair,N. (2018, September) ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs for developing products’ retrieved from https://uxdesign.cc/maslows-hierarchy-for-developing-products323ac71fedbd Mitchell, E. (2019, February 18). ‘Design Defined: “Hierarchy of Needs” in Product Design.’ Bressler group. retrieved from https://www.bresslergroup.com/blog/ design-defined-hierarchy-of-needs-product-design-principles/.

Authored and illustrated by Stephen Clayton