Portfolio
GRADUATION PROJECT:
HEATED BACKPACK
For my graduate project, I designed a backpack with Sit & Heat heating element for the merchandise design agency Key Merchandise. Key Merchandise had a vision to integrate Sit & heat's electrically heated cushion technology into a backpack utilizing the partnership between the two brands. Taking advantage of a recent backpack design trend, the backpack was to meet the requirements to be considered anti-theft. For this complex and innovative project, many aspects had to be researched.
User environment
What kind of user environment fits best with a heated backpack?
Sit & Heat heating
How is the technology of Sit & Heat heating best applied to backpacks?
Branding
What branding is most effective for this new product?
Work/study backpack
What makes a desirable backpack for the target audience?
Anti-theft
How do you make a backpack anti-theft without sacrificing functionality?
Researching backpack user experience, a suitable target audience and environment was decided. A desire for warmth in combination with backpack usage is most apparent in public transport during winter. These travelers are often on their way to work or study. Utilizing interviews and surveys the most demanded functionalities were considered and applied.
There were two main design challenges. The first one was to design an 'easy' anti-theft opening method that does not negatively influence ease of use too much. The second was a user-friendly integration of the Sit & Heat heating element into the backpack.
A new brand had to be developed that fit the needs of the target audience and the comfort and safety of a heated backpack. A comfortable, protective and attentive companion.
The springy sides sections of the backpack ensure an overall aesthetically consistent shape when tightening the side-buckles in case of a light load.
Fasteners reach to the back of the user to provide anti-theft security.
A combination of stiff panels with fabric creates a segmented manner of opening. This supports user freedom.
The heating element is located in the back panel of the backpack. The heated cushion hinges outward and is completely removable in case replacement is necessary or for independent use.
The heating function is primarily used as heated seating when sitting outdoors.
Final design
Final model
