In this assignment, I was tasked with designing a low-fidelity prototype for a bag that would reflect elements of my everyday life. The goal was to prioritize functionality and practicality, considering how I move through my daily routines and which items I rely on the most. By focusing on creating compartments and layout features tailored to my lifestyle, this project challenged me to think creatively about organization, accessibility, and personal design aesthetics in a quick prototyping format
How can everyday carry objects inform the design of a bag that is both functional and personally meaningful?
Product Design, Quick Prototyping
Tools/Materials: Paper, Scissors, Tape, Stapler, Fabric, Buttons, Velcro, Glue Gun, Lace
Timeline: 1.5 weeks
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Ideation
During the ideation phase, I focused on analyzing the components of bags I already owned and valued. I explored design elements like compartments, material choices, and layouts that enhanced functionality and comfort in my everyday life. The primary need I aimed to address was creating a spacious yet streamlined bag that could comfortably hold my laptop, sketchbooks, water bottle, and personal essentials without the bulkiness of a traditional backpack. My goal was to design a versatile, organized bag that met my daily needs while maintaining a stylish and compact form.
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Prototyping
After selecting a design that balanced my preferences and practical needs, I refined the bag’s size and adaptability by building a low-fidelity prototype using paper and tape. This model allowed me to test scale, structure, and expansion, exploring how the bag could transition from a compact handbag to a larger tote capable of holding essentials like my water bottle and laptop. Through this process, I adjusted dimensions and structural elements to better balance compactness, capacity, and functionality.
Final Prototype
The final model combines features from five different bag types, offering versatile compartments to fit a variety of personal items. The bag expands from a compact 12" x 9" when closed to a spacious 12" x 16" when fully extended. It includes two inner pockets, an exterior back pocket, a large inner compartment, and a key clasp. Decorative buttons and flaps add both style and utility, serving as additional holders for various items
Why BAGSSSSS?
The name BAGSSSS (with five S’s) highlights the bag’s unique functionality, one single bag that transforms into five distinct storage components.
← The interior features a smaller pouch designed to hold personal items that might otherwise get lost at the bottom of the bag. It also includes a built-in hook for keys, keychains, or other hangable items for easy access. The bag is versatile in its use: when closed, it functions as a compact handbag or crossbody, and when opened, it transforms into a spacious, tote-style bag capable of carrying larger items like a water bottle or laptop. Its design maximizes functionality and adapts to the user’s needs throughout the day.
Reflection
BAGSSSSS evolved into an exploration of adaptability, function, and intentional design. Through multiple iterations, I refined its form and usability into a versatile piece offering five storage solutions, strengthening my prototyping and problem-solving skills while rethinking how everyday objects can be more efficient and user-centered.
