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THE LUGGAGE PROJECT
Reimagining luggage by enhancing both functionality and design to better meet real traveler needs.
Domain
Academic Publishing
Services
Research, Design
Duration
06 months
Team
Dassault Systemes
A six-month graduation project in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes in Pune centered around designing a set of innovative hard case luggage bags. Determined to make the project meaningful, I began by asking bold, essential questions: What more can we offer? What real-life challenges do travelers face? Is this bag just another addition to an already saturated market?
These questions became the driving force behind my research, pushing the project beyond aesthetics to focus on creating a bag that is not only visually striking but also exceptionally functional.
Research
Field Studies where conducted to better understand the subject and discover real-world scenarios. Additionally the secondary research paved the path for some specific things to be examined as a part of primary research. Also, to gain a new perspective on the various situations that may emerge while travelling in India, a study of the film "The Darjeeling Limited" was also conducted.
Major challenges observed included difficulty maneuvering on rough terrains, rigid openings that limited accessibility, and inconvenience in smaller spaces. Additionally, the lack of sufficient storage pockets made organizing essentials a hassle for travelers.
01.
Compared to soft case bags, hard case bags perform better when it comes to travel but fall short when it comes to providing a convenient packing experience.
02.
The luggage bag should support flexibility and personalization in the packing the bag according to the user for a seamless satisfactory experience.
03.
Travel with multiple bags compromises travel experience with regards to different touchpoints of a users journey as the main focus shifts on handling the bags.
Insights
Redefined Brief
To design a hard case luggage bag tailored for young business travelers, aged 18 to 40, who predominantly travel by air.
Persona
A persona was designed for Meera-
Born and raised in Pune, she resides with her small family, which includes her mom and dad. She holds a dual degree in engineering and is the founder of a startup she launched a year ago. Currently single, she maintains a wide network of acquaintances but keeps a close-knit circle of friends.
Moodboard
A minimalistic, clean, sleek, and earthy moodboard theme was selected, aligning seamlessly with the persona crafted from the brief and insights.
Color Explorations
Color played a crucial role, blending style and symbolism. An earthy off-white base was chosen for its timeless appeal, accented by vibrant red to make the bag stand out with bold elegance.
Final Conept
The final concept includes a set of cabin and check-in bags designed to enhance the travel experience through functionality, organization, and ease of mobility.
Cabin bag features a quick-access compartment for essential items, a vertical opening that simplifies security checks, and a thoughtfully designed divider system with open, small, and leak-proof compartments. These elements allow travelers to access items easily while maintaining order during their journey.
Reflections
Over the six-month project, every phase—from research to ideation to refinement—offered valuable lessons. The project stood out due to its depth of exploration, fostering engaging discussions with professionals from various fields. These interactions provided practical insights into real-world challenges, broadening perspectives. The experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and curiosity in navigating complex projects.
Skill development was a key takeaway, with new industry-relevant tools like Catia complementing existing software such as Adobe, Rhino, and Keyshot. This expanded expertise in visualization, analysis, and presentation. Equally significant was the growth in interpersonal skills, particularly in collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Improved communication underscored the value of aligning efforts to achieve shared goals, making the project a holistic learning experience.
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