Project Sponsor
BRAND IDENTITY
Given the established Firm Grip brand, exploration into a new product line required extensive analysis into their existing catalogue to outline brand essentials. Our team's research dove into the qualities our tool bag would need to encompass to fit seamlessly into their current product lineup.
DESIGN CRITERIA
Following multiple on-site visits to confirm user preferences, our team's brainstorming sessions led to the development of our official design criteria, informed by our research insights and additional analysis of the competitor market space. As an innovative twist, we also chose to partner with a local research facility towards integrating sustainable design practices.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
As the design lead, I sketched over 100 sketches and concepts, focusing on bag details and overall form development. Sketches turned into cardboard prototypes to test functional use and further flushed out based on preliminary user testing done at a nearby campus construction site. Our team moved forward with a design that explored the user need of modularity for removable pouches, additional storage space, and clear branded imagery.
FABRICATION
Prior to the final fabrication of our tool bag, we used multiple mediums to construct the bag as a way to test fabric dimensions. Paper and cardboard models testing durability and sizing with common construction tools, which helped simulate realistic use in a natural environment. Our final model used deconstructed tool bag plastic panels cut into our desired dimensions. During this time, I led the fabrication process for all yellow trims, as well as the welding of our tool bag handle.
MYCELIUM LEATHER
Traditional, high-end tool bags use leather for a durable and long-lasting material. Our team reached out to a local company, Mycorrhiza Fashion, to test and develop our own sustainable approach to this type of material. We grew our own fungi, dried it out into a leathery material, and dyed it using turmeric to match Firm Grip's distinct yellow colour. The unique patterns created a naturally weathered look that users in the field valued.
FABRICATION PACKAGE
Final deliverables back to Firm Grip for this project included our final tool bag, as well as its official tech-pack set to industry fabrication standards.
