A backpack for designers with too much stuff. This bag was designed in response to aspects of Kaitiakitanga, which examines guardianship of resources and includes broader ideas of ‘sustainability’ and ethical considerations. The main body of the bag is made using second hand curtains, in combination with other recycled materials and aluminium buckles. The unique qualities of the material shaped how the bag was designed and allowed me to explore material lifecycles and reuse.
The thermal backing of the curtains allowed pattern pieces to be fused together using an iron, making a double sided, mure durable material. Tired wetsuits were also used as padding in the straps and back of the bag for extra comfort.
The novel strap design allows for the aesthetic and practical qualities of a sling strap while also being able to support heavy loads with the waist strap. Exterior attachments hold those bulky items that are difficult to fit inside the bag: ear muffs, long rulers and a3 sketch pads.
[Webbing and aluminium buckles are from Cactus outdoor]
Design Process
Prototype 1 was a very quick mockup made using a recycled textile donated in abundance by the local hospital. It is approximately at third scale and was made simply to gain understanding of the assembly process that would be used for following prototypes. It also allowed me to see a general form in 3D.
Prototype 2 is the first wearable development. This test allowed me to trial the strap concept, the attachments for rulers and sketch pads, use the intended materials, and begin developing the pattern. After trialing the strap with some class mates, I found that it was too flimsy and also the buckle placement (at the seam of the bag, buckling like a seatbelt would) was