Research Projects — Lilah Gentry

Research

ZIPPIng bag

This researched based design was create to solve an issue faced by art students: how to carry their things.

Through observation, survey, and interview I determined three key takeaways:

Shoulder Strap Paradox

Students seem to prefer the aesthetic and functionality of a bag carried on one shoulder, but ultimately face pain with the uneven distribution of weight.

Separation Struggles

Most students have items they want to keep separate from others. Whether it be due to fragility, contents, or organization, many students search for bags that would allow them to separate these objects, but could not find one with this functionality as well as desired size and aesthetic.

Flexibility and Fluctuation

Art students carry a wide variety of items, not everyone carries the same things, and one person often doesn’t carry the same things every day. Accounting for flexibility and fluctuation of the items being transported is vital in a student’s bag of choice.

The final design features a neutral aesthetic with an exterior zipper that can be open or closed to expand or collapse the width of the bag. The bag straps are removable and can be attached t any of the D rings to customize the strap style.

Inside the bag there are two tracks of zippers, 7” and 11” where interchangeable specialized pockets can be installed and removed at will.

On the opposite interior wall of the bag there are two sets of snaps where a mini bag is attached. This is for storing one’s everyday essentials and can be removed and used by itself with the bag straps.

sketches