Project Overview
For my product design capstone, I spent 20 weeks solving the problem: College students aren’t playing enough.
I worked with a team to design Flutter: a tote bag and portable swing that can be set up and packed up in under 2 minutes. It’s a product that can be used on a family picnic at the park, out on a hike, and while walking around campus. It’s a conversation starter, and it’s a bag of fun to carry around wherever you go.
Processes/Tools
Interviewing, synthesis, prototyping and testing, go-to-market strategy, branding, sewing, pattern making
Team Sandbox
I learned so much from my teammates: Griffin Somaratne, Jodalys Herrera, and Xavier Vasquez.
Design Process
Defining the problem, needs, and ideation
Weeks 1-10:
We interviewed college students and play experts and surveyed over 100 undergrads about how they like to play. We found three key needs: to fit play into their busy schedules, take their mind off other obligations, and feel like they have a reason/justification to play. We ideated around storytelling play and physical play, and eventually landed on making a swing/tote bag.
Swing/Tote Bag Design
Weeks 11-20:
We answered questions such as: How will the swing and tote bag fit together? How do we maximize comfort and minimize bulkiness? How do we make the straps adjustable for any size tree? How do we make the straps as easy as possible to set up and pack up? We prototyped solutions to these questions, all while prioritizing safety and simplicity to reduce manufacturing costs.
Final Prototype + Moving Forward
We worked with Amyel Oliveros, the creative director at Waterfield Designs, to fabricate our final prototype. Moving forward, manufacturing our Flutter Bags in the US would cost about $40 per bag. We are planning to sell Flutter bags for $79.99.
Launch Swarty
To kick-off Flutter, we hosted a Swarty (swing party) where students could set up and enjoy Flutter together. At the swarty, 50 students expressed interest in purchasing their own Flutter bag through our interest form.
