Enfold is a multifunctional piece that can convert between a stylish bag and intricate wall decor.

Timeline --
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Fall 2024
5 weeks

Role --
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Product Designer
Researcher
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For --
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Soft Goods Design

Programs --
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Fusion360
Adobe CC
Ps, Ai

OVERVIEW

Sustainably Stylish

Enfold is a multifunctional piece that can convert between a stylish bag and intricate wall decor. The outer pattern takes inspiration from origami and allows the piece to flex and transform. Its exterior is made of a sustainable alternative to leather; kraft-tex, a natural cellulose fiber material which acts like paper but is highly durable and can be washed.

Through researching origami patterns, sustainable materials, and employing sewing techniques, laser-cutting, and 3D printing, a final prototype was produced.
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Project done in collaboration with:Kyle Hagerty

Enfold, 2024
‍Nikon D3500 photo

CONTEXT

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Design Criteria

1. Soft Materials Emphasis70% of the overall composition is soft materials.
2. Consumer-Centric FocusTarget at least one specific demographic to align with market trends and preferences.
3. Sustainable PracticesEnsure a sustainable approach to production and consumption.
4. Color Trends 2025 and BeyondApply at least one of the color trends expected to dominate in 2025 and beyond.

PREPARATION

Researching Future Trends

Before starting the design phase, we looked into the WGSN future trend reports to help us understand the current direction of the market.

01. IDEATION

IDEATION

Choosing a Direction

What sets soft goods apart in the realm of products is its ability to flex and transform. I chose to take this unique property and use it as the driving factor behind my ideas.

CONCEPT

Concept Selection

My 3 main concepts sought to use transformation to help carry out a function.

I chose to move forward with concept 1 as it was a more novel idea that also applied more relevantly to future market trends.

02. DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT

Playing with Folds

I constructed a variety of origami and pleat patterns to aid in my understanding of their transforming properties.

After playing around with these mini models, my partner and I found a particular fold interesting. It was able to morph itself from a cylindrical shape to a flat circle.

We found an opportunity to use its 2 forms (cylindrical and flat) to fit the functions of a bag and wall decor piece from our selected concept.

DEVELOPMENT

The First Prototype

Through constructing a full-scale version, we verified that our concept functioned properly. It was able to easily transform and hold its shape.

However, when the piece was in "bag form", it flared out on the bottom sides and the zig-zag fold had trouble keeping shape.

Aesthetically, this was unideal.