Prototype Early and Often!

Many of you may recognize this first prototype, seeing as I've been carrying my laptop and class materials in it for nearly three months now.

It's a Modello cosmetic bag from a thrift store, that I've modded slightly to do a few key things:








-- Strap connections have been repositioned, so it hangs vertically.





-- Old strap was replaced with new strap with pivoting hooks.

-- Small end seam has been opened, allowing pens to be stowed within grasp.

-- Exterior pocket has been positioned to face your back, so magazines are within grasp.

-- Piece of rigid plastic was inserted into the center to make the whole bag semi-rigid.

-- Interior pocket holds laptop in center, and rigid plastic provides impact protection.

The primary purpose was to create a professional-looking satchel that would be less obtrusive in crowds - especially on busses and trains - and also be more user-friendly for transit riders.

So far, despite needing some detail tweaks, it works better than any bag I've ever bought.




All photos: Carl Boyd 
Model: Erin DeWitt