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This luggage concept was created during my year long collaboration with Hermés. During the initial six months I collaborated with a team of engineers, business managers, and designers at MIT and after which I was individually contacted to further develop the concept.
Tools: Solidworks, Adobe Illustrator, Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, Physical Prototyping Tools
problem
How might we encourage sustainable use through the design of luggage?
At Hermès, we strive to create beautiful and functional objects that can be repaired and passed on from generation to generation. The quality of the materials, combined with the exceptional know-how kept alive by its artisans, makes for sustainable creations characterized by timeless elegance.
In this spirit, we would like to explore ideas for a luggage that embraces sustainability as its key design consideration. In the design of the luggage, we aspire to encourage sustainable use through its versatility, reparability, durability, and timelessness.
solution
The creation of an expanding suitcase that did not compromise on the structural integrity would eliminate the need for customers to purchase multiple different size suitcases cutting down on excess. With the use of an elegant mechanism and thorough consideration in repairability and material choice, I strove to create a one of a kind luggage that would bend elegance and functionality without compromise.
process
The project started with market research. A user journey was created alongside customer interviews and meetings.
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After the initial interviews where done Multiple Sprints where done where varying fidelity models where created and tested until we reached a final design.
This design used cutting edge smart materials to facilitate in the ability to expand and contract. It re imagined luxury travel though its blend of cutting edge technology and elegance.
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The project concluded with a go to market strategy and pitch to Hermés.
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After the conclusion of the project, Hermés was impress with my contributions and I was individually contacted. They showed interest in a sub idea that I had created but was rejected by the team and was asked to further develop the concept.
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I had identified weaknesses within the final idea and sought to fix them. In my opinion the final idea did not manage to capture or build upon the identity of Hermés. Known for their quality and timeless elegance, I had been against the use of smart materials just for the sake of using it. The use of technology within the product was felt gimmicky and slapped on and did not have any sense of elegance upon it. With these qualms in mind, I had designed a alternate concept where the expansion and compression of the suitcase was dealt with using an elegant mechanism.
This mechanism was something that Hermés was interested in and asked for further development. I proceeded to create a further developed concept which was then pitched to Hermés to be used as a unique and elegant exploration into incorporating sustainability into their next generation of products.
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