We imagine that this bag could be offered in multiple fabric combinations, so customers can pick the style they love the most. The one we sent is just a suggestion for one of those options.
Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. Your suggestions regarding the ergonomic needs of elderly users gave us a great perspective to refine our design further. Based on your comments, we have updated the design and created a usage scenario: Ergonomic Handle Optimization: To prevent hand fatigue and improve grip comfort for elderly users, we have revised the handle design. Wider Strap Distribution: We increased the strap width at the connection points to better distribute the weight. Soft & Rolled Grip: For the holding area, we applied a "rolled handle" technique with soft internal padding (approx. 3 cm diameter). This ensures a secure grip without cutting into the hand, even during long walks. Center of Gravity: The optimized drop height ensures the bag stays closer to the body, making it safer for users to walk and maintain balance, especially on stairs. Storyboard & User Journey: Attached, you will find the requested storyboard illustrating the complete user journey. We focused on a narrative that highlights both safety and emotional satisfaction: Safety: Descending stairs securely using the handrail while carrying the bag. Function: Easy access to tools and the "zipper expansion" feature for the harvest. Happiness: The final scene emphasizes the joy of sharing the produce with a neighbor, conveying the product's social benefit. We believe these updates make the product much more user-friendly and aligned with your vision. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Best regards, Paragraf metniniz (7)Download
Hello Team 01,We are excited to present our revised design proposal. We have carefully integrated your feedback, specifically focusing on three key areas:Portability: ensuring ease of transport for elderly users in buildings without elevators.Organization: creating specified storage zones for efficient tool use.Safety: eliminating the risk of tools falling or shaking during transport.Our solution is a transformable organizer designed to adapt to the user's preference. The design features a cylindrical body with a vertical zipper expansion system. In its compact mode, it functions as a stable tool carrier. Once the gardening is done, the user simply unzips the gusset to expand the circumference, transforming it into a spacious bag suitable for carrying the harvest or going to the market.Regarding your feedback on tool stability: We have redesigned the external pockets. Instead of a loose fit, each pocket is dimensioned to fit specific tools (shovels, rakes, shears). To ensure maximum safety for elderly users on stairs, we added an adjustable shock cord retention system. This secures the tool handles tightly against the bag, preventing any wobbling or accidental drops.Finally, to address stability on the ground: To prevent the bag from tipping over on uneven soil, we implemented a reinforced "sandwich" base construction. A rigid board is inserted between the inner and outer layers, creating a flat, waterproof, and impact-resistant foundation. Materialization EXTERIOR SHELL (The Gray Outer Panels & Bottom Circle)Material: 600D Polyester laminated with 3mm EVA Foam.Function: The polyester provides abrasion resistance for garden use, while the EVA foam lamination gives the bag its semi-rigid, self-standing structure (as seen in the folded view) and protects the contents from impact.INNER LINING (The Gray Inner Panels & Top Circle)Material: 210D Nylon Oxford with PU (Polyurethane) Coating.Function: A lightweight, waterproof, and wipeable interior layer. This ensures that dirt from tools or harvest can be easily cleaned and protects the EVA foam core from moisture inside the bag.RIGID BASE INSERT (The Red Circle)Material: 1.5mm High-Density Polyethylene (PE) Board.Function: This rigid plastic sheet is inserted between the Exterior bottom circle and the Inner Lining bottom circle (the "sandwiched" red layer in the assembly view). It provides a perfectly flat, waterproof foundation that will not warp like cardboard.POCKETS & DETAILSPocket Body: Same material as the Exterior Shell (600D Poly + EVA) for durability.Pocket Top Edge (Gray rectangles in drawing): Heavy-Duty Woven Elastic Band is sewn into the top hem to grip tools securely, preventing them from shaking.HANDLESMaterial: Nylon Seatbelt Webbing (38mm width).Function: High-tensile strength strapping attached with reinforced stitching to support heavy loads.We believe this proposal effectively addresses the unique needs of elderly gardeners while staying within the target budget. We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have regarding the design details or manufacturing process.
Here are my initial concepts for consideration: Concept 1: The Nostalgic Case My first idea is a rectangular carrying case, complete with a handle and a lock, designed to resemble a nostalgic suitcase. When opened, one of the interior surfaces—to which the tools are affixed—can be propped up at an angle, resting against the other side of the case. This allows all the tools to be displayed neatly and remain clearly visible on a single plane. Concept 2: The Economic Fabric Bag My second concept is a fabric bag that incorporates non-rigid (flexible) compartments. This design ensures that tools can be transported without mixing together. This solution also represents the most economical approach I have been able to find for the current problem. Concept 3: The Washable Caddy The third design is an open-top product made of plastic. It is constructed from a combination of cylindrical compartments, which effectively keep the tools separate during transport. This solution is ideal for extended use in earthy, wet, or dirty environments, as its plastic material allows it to be washed easily with water.
Hello everyone, I’m Filiz Eraslan, an Industrial Design student from the Middle East Technical University. My roots are in Kocaeli, a beautiful city located right on the eastern edge of Istanbul. Kocaeli holds a special place in my heart, primarily because of its two distinct coastlines. I truly love the sea; there is a profound sense of peace and clarity I find in walking along the shore, watching the water, or simply enjoying a picnic by the coastline. While I currently reside in Ankara for my studies (an inland city) the lack of the sea often fuels my homesickness. Fortunately, the local lakes here offer a comforting, if imperfect, sense of calm that helps bridge the distance. When it comes to my creative outlets, my free time is often devoted to reading novels. I am fascinated by human psychology and experience; I see engaging with the lives of others, whether real or fictional, as a uniquely profitable way to gain "experience" and perspective without the cost of error. Furthermore, I find pure escapism in Turkish TV series from the 2000s and 2010s; these shows are my favorite way to detach from my daily responsibilities and briefly enter entirely different universes. Professionally, my primary focus in design is manufacturability. I firmly believe that the most brilliant product idea holds little value unless it is grounded in practical production viability. For me, the true challenge and success of design lie in bridging the gap between an inspired concept and a physically achievable, real-world product. Looking ahead, after graduation, my immediate aspiration is to work in the white goods sector. I am particularly drawn to this field because I believe it involves intense and crucial human-product interaction, offering significant opportunities to apply my knowledge and contribute meaningful, user-centered solutions. Beyond my professional practice, I am also committed to continuous learning and plan to pursue a master's degree to further deepen my academic and theoretical knowledge in my field.You can connect with me via LinkedIn ((8) Filiz Eraslan | LinkedIn) or send an email directly to filiz.eraslan@metu.edu.tr.