TEGAN : TRAVEL TOTE
2024
For the overpackers.
TEGAN is a stylish and adaptable companion for any adventure. Thoughtfully crafted to stand out, from day trips to airport lines.
Context: School Project
Duration: 1.5 Months
The Story
Designing TEGAN coincided poetically with a period of travel in my life.
As a perpetual “just in case” packer, I struggled to organize multiple bags for each occasion. This challenge inspired me to try designing my own. While waiting in airport lineups, I observed the gear of my fellow travellers, noting what I liked, what I wanted to avoid, and how to make my bag stand out effectively. TEGAN is the result of this.
Research
I broke down the concept of a tote bag, and developed a list of priorities:
space maximizing
Durable; won’t sag and stretch
Eye-catching but minimal look
Comfy on the shoulder and in the hand
Travel theft safe
Straps that don’t slide off
For aesthetics, I researched the brand BAGGU, to design within the constraint of a brand-look.
Ideation
After sketching out initial concepts, I compiled the best elements based on feedback
A card model helped me to conceptualize scale
Prototyping
I made a prototype for my key features: an expandable roll top, side tighteners, and a versatile webbing x
Key feedback from testers:
The bag was saggy/lacked structure, the x did little to help.
The tighteners and roll-top were complicated to use on the go.
Resolution + Make
Guided by the critiques I:
Removed excessive tighteners, in favour of a water bottle pocket
Centred the roll-top buckle for easier access.
Swapped the webbing x on one side for a pocket and structural vertical webbing.
Form was finalized in a BOM and Illustrator flat drawings
This project showed me how challenging it is to design a balance between organization and adaptability. At first, I tried to do too much, minimizing what each feature could do well. As I gained more feedback, it became clearer which features had merit, which did not, and which complimented each other for the most cohesive product. In future, I want to dive deeper into the potential of the roll-top for accessibility.