News
Tuesday 21 August 2007
Transforming shoulder bag nets top textiles prize
A new shoulder bag which can be transformed into a pull-along wheeled case, increasing its storage capacity sixfold, has earned a Nottingham Trent University student a top national design award. The Metamorphic Shoulder Bag, created by BSc (Hons) Product Design student Joseph Craffy, has won the 18-25 Year Category in the Industrial Trust’s Technical Textiles Competition 2007.
The product – which aims to offer a solution to the portable storage needs of today’s students – can be used for taking everyday essentials to lectures or, when extended, carrying much larger and heavier items. Once the lightweight folding mechanism is locked in place the design can even be used as a mobile seat for on-the-go relaxation.
Joseph, who has just graduated from the university with first class honours, also explored how his prototype could be improved by implementing photonic textiles. These textiles feature an array of coloured light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are integrated into the fabric and could carry graphics and messages, or present multi-coloured surfaces.
Operated in four easy steps the shoulder bag is unfolded, the struts are locked, the larger case secured, and the handle length re-clipped and customised.
“This new innovative product is unlike anything on the market,” said Joseph (22) who is now looking to commercialise the bag.
Joseph, who came up with the idea after struggling to carry all his extra books when writing his dissertation, added: “The simple and slender form of the shoulder bag makes it perfect for daily use within the busy and dynamic academic lives of students. It provides adequate storage capacity for the usual laptops, notepads and stationery, but could be used for transporting a lot more if necessary. It would also prove useful to students when travelling home at the end of term.”
Joseph, who is from Northampton, will collect his prize at an awards ceremony at Drapers’ Hall in London – home to competition sponsor The Worshipful Company of Drapers – in October. He will receive £1,000 to be used to help further his knowledge in Technical Textiles, an adventure day out of his choice relating to technical textiles, a copy of the Extreme Textiles book, and a signed certificate.
Nottingham Trent University will also receive a trophy, which will incorporate technical textiles technology into its design.
Zara Clarke, Technical Textile Event Manager for the Industrial Trust, said: “This was an excellent project which really impressed the judges. The design was imaginative, superbly innovative and very well thought out. Joseph also demonstrated an interesting and practical application of technical textiles and smart materials.
“We could see the product being not only popular with students, but also teachers or any consumer who had to lug heavy items around.”
ENDS
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