mhippisley@ecuad.ca


Megan Hippisley

Industrial Designer


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Desire Path Backpack

Fall 2024

18”x12”x9”

Canvas, Ripstop, Webbing and Waterproof Zippers.
The desire path backpack embodies the concept of efficiency and personalization, inspired by the way desire paths form through intuitive navigation. Designed to adapt to individual needs, this modular backpack is built to suit your daily routines rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. It features a versatile base with customizable attachments, allowing users to zip on or off front pockets to tailor storage for specific tasks or activities. The back panel includes adjustable and removable padding for personalized comfort, while a padded, interchangeable computer sleeve ensures a secure fit for any device size, minimizing excess space. This design offers a flexible and functional solution that evolves with the user's lifestyle.

 
Process 

To develop the desire path backpack, I conducted small workshops and surveys to better understand users' daily needs and habits. This research helped identify key features that would enhance functionality and customization. From there, I explored numerous design ideas through sketching, refining concepts that prioritized adaptability and efficiency before moving into prototyping.


After extensive planning and sketching, I created a small-scale paper model of my concept to map out key design elements. This miniature prototype allowed me to visualize where adjustable features, such as modular pockets and padding, would be positioned, helping me refine the layout before moving into full-scale construction.


With the concept finalized, I transitioned to a full-scale prototype using cardstock to better understand the backpack’s proportions and how it would sit on the human body. This step allowed me to assess the sizing and placement of key features. I then transferred these measurements into Adobe Illustrator, where I created precise patterns to guide the construction of the final design.


This was followed by a first and second iteration, where I adjusted the pattern as needed to improve functionality. The first prototype was made from muslin to test the basic structure and fit, while the second version used canvas and ripstop fabric to evaluate durability and performance and to get a better understanding of what the final outcome may look like.


Final Bag 

Finally, with the prototyping complete, I moved on to the final iteration, creating a variety of interchangeable pockets and testing them to ensure they were functional, secure, and suited to different user needs.


More Specific Pockets 

A few standout features of the backpack include the main bag, which offers a removable computer pocket along with three additional interior pockets for improved organization. The shoulder straps are equipped with webbing, providing versatile space to clip items or hold small essentials. The design also includes fabric water bottle pockets with mesh bases, ensuring both stability and drainage. Another highlight is the dedicated yarn pocket, designed for those who enjoy crocheting or knitting on the go. This pocket features an upper compartment for organizing tools like crochet hooks or knitting needles, while the spacious lower section holds yarn. Eyelets on the sides allow the user to work on their project while walking, and nearby snaps secure the yarn when it's time to pack everything away.


I had also created an in-depth tech pack for this design, laying out many of the details, including a small form of the patterns and the bill of materials   

9 Different Attachable Pockets
 
The Main Bag
This is the base of everything. 
Webbing Front Pocket
This pocket is designed so that one can clip things to the front but also so that one could put a roll of paper or a jacket through the front webbing, as each row is sewn at different points.
Front Clips Pocket
This pocket had a vertical zipper as the front pocket and clips across the front to add more versitility. 
Yarn Pocket
This pocket is designed so one can work on yarn projects on the go.
Front Pocket 2
This is just the basic front pocket with more storage space.
One layer, small front pocket
This is a thin pocket that has a small paper sleeve and then the small front pocket.
Zipper on both ends pocket 
This pocket is designed to attach to the main bag but also allows another front pocket attachment. 
Front Pocket 1
This pocket is made so that one can have a thinner backpack with only the small front zip pocket.
Front Pleat Pocket
This is just another variation of a basic front pocket but with a slightly different design.




 mhippisley@ecuad.ca