Mat Bag
Product Design
This is a product designed to solve troubles in my personal life. It is a bag that can unfold into a lawn mat, providing a convenient solution for leisure in parks during urban living.
Background
This is a backpack I designed for my daily use. It allows me to go out without having to specifically prepare a lawn mat, so I can sit on the grass to relax and sunbathe anytime without worrying about dew dirtying my pants.
Observation
Relaxing on the grass is a common occurrence for city people. One scenario involves planning ahead, where we usually pack food in a bag and bring an extra mat. The other scenario is a temporary decision, such as during a workday lunch when the park's grass is filled with people taking a break or having lunch. Most of the time, people will use their scarves or bags to cushion themselves, preventing discomfort from the grass and keeping their clothes clean. It can be observed that grass mats, as non-essential items in daily life, are an extra burden in either case.
Objectives
By combining a lawn mat and a bag into one product, we can create an item that serves dual purposes. Since a bag is something most of us use daily, if it can also transform into a lawn mat, we won't need to prepare an extra item to lay on the grass.
Process
-
Research
It is essential to clarify that the lawn mat needs to be able to lay flat, while the bag must have the functionality to hold items.
-
Solutions
My solution logic is to transform from a flat surface to a three-dimensional form, rather than the other way around. This means finding a method to turn a flat fabric into a bag with internal space. I thought of gathering the edges of the fabric using drawstrings and snaps, which allows for the transition from a flat surface to a spatial form. This approach is very simple and easy to use, and it is suitable for different materials to achieve this structure, providing various styles of the item.
Results
I quickly created models using two different materials with limited tools and used them for a week, fully meeting the functionality I desired. They were also very convenient, and I applied for a patent for it. I hope to have the opportunity in the future to try producing a small quantity of formal products for sale.
My role
Product design, making.
