URBAN TREKKER BACKPACK
Coolboredom is my Vancouver-based venture designing apparel accessories for young urban dwellers in the Pacific Northwest. Right now this project is a learning venture in the apparel design process. I have explored having them made in Canada or overseas, but it is not currently feasible.
The bags are designed for the unique adventures of urban trekkers, as the activities city-dwellers engage in require different features than athletic and commuter bags. The bags are functional enough for the beach and aesthetic enough to hit a sushi bar afterwards.
With the climate emergency well upon us, coolboredom aims to satiate the needs of those looking to explore the great urban outdoors while being mindful of their impact on the world around them. Active transportation is the pivotal means of getting to where the coolboredom user needs to go, which means a bag that is ready to give them the agency to pack what they need and how they need.
ILLUMINATED TOTE
My Mom and my partner's Mom have been telling me for years that they find it so hard to find things in their tote bags - they wished it had a light in it. I often had a bike light on one of the straps so I could see in the depths if needed.
The Electronics
The Illuminated Tote uses a magnetic switch and no controller. The magnets as normally open which means the light turns on when the magnets are separated. The LED can be placed anywhere within the top flap of the bag (only on one side). The magnets are held in with elastic on either side of the button clasp.
The Patterning
The pattern enables people to remove the electronics from the bag for washing or other reasons. Half of the bag has an extra flap along the top with hook and loop material to fasten it down. This offers an easy-to-use and cost effective method of adaptability.
Patterned so electronic switch can be removed
Magnetic switch for LED - switch lives next to snap fastener so it turns off when closed and on when open.
PROCESS
I used posters around town (beaches, walkways, and more) asking people to share their feedback with me about their bags and buying motivations. I received over 50 responses.
