PROBLEM STATEMENT
Create a carrier which makes drawing and painting supplies readily and quickly available to the artist working in the field.
PRIMARY NEEDS:
The carrier holds all I need.
The carrier is comfortable to use.
The carrier protects my stuff.
The carrier makes supplies accessible.
The carrier looks good.
The carrier is a portable office.
The carrier is basic in its function.
Create a carrier which makes drawing and painting supplies readily and quickly available to the artist working in the field.
PRIMARY NEEDS:
The carrier holds all I need.
The carrier is comfortable to use.
The carrier protects my stuff.
The carrier makes supplies accessible.
The carrier looks good.
The carrier is a portable office.
The carrier is basic in its function.
ALPHA PROTOTYPE: The "Sketch-All" Satchel for Artists
Here is the result of the first try at an actual bag, leaving behind the drawings and paper prototypes of previous weeks. Sewing together the satchel during the past week involved a somewhat complicated process of thinking out the construction more or less as I went along, even though I had made a pattern and had a rough idea of the sequence of the assembly.
The photo on the left shows the seat pad which is in its own pocket in the front of the bag.
The photo on the left shows the seat pad which is in its own pocket in the front of the bag.
I spent some time trying out the satchel myself. One part of the bag which I had hoped would work out is the "sliding panel," (where the paintbox is in the photo) which would increase the area of the work surface ("desk"). So far, this panel is not very successful: it tends to flop down when things are attached to it. I'm not sure how to fix this.
Testing with other people.
I persuaded a few people to try on the "Sketch-All" satchel.
Reactions were fairly positive; but there were ideas for improvement:
The cross-body strap should be wider and padded, for comfort.
The horizontal work surface would be better supported if the vertical part of the bag was stiffened with a panel as well.
The cords between the two parts (horizontal and vertical) can interfere with working. There may be no remedy for this; I myself find the cords to be minor impediments.
I persuaded a few people to try on the "Sketch-All" satchel.
Reactions were fairly positive; but there were ideas for improvement:
The cross-body strap should be wider and padded, for comfort.
The horizontal work surface would be better supported if the vertical part of the bag was stiffened with a panel as well.
The cords between the two parts (horizontal and vertical) can interfere with working. There may be no remedy for this; I myself find the cords to be minor impediments.
Potential users were sometimes enthusiastic!
The working surface, or "desk," seems interesting to people. In the photos shown here, everyone is holding the "desk" with at least one hand. In my own experience it is not really necessary to hold it up; the cords provide enough support so that hands can be free.
What I learned from the alpha prototype, and some of the changes I will try to make.
1.The primary needs are taken care of for the most part, although comfort, looks, and aspects of function need improvement.
2. Below are the characteristics I listed in Week 5 that I had planned for the alpha prototype. I will enumerate some of the modifications that I will try to carry out next week for the beta.
* The slim 1" - 2" profile of the bag makes for ease of wearing and carrying. Next week I will eliminate the gussets on the sides to make the bag much slimmer. The alpha is too bulky and awkward.
* The bag opens quickly. It does. Velcro fasteners are working well.
* The dozen pockets are for supplies, plus holders for pens, pencils, brushes. I didn't think carefully enough about the kinds and number of things to carry: e.g., the bag needs fewer holders for pens, pencils and brushes.
* 10" x 13" pocket is for 9" x 12" watercolor block and notebooks. For comfort and ease of carrying, the bag will be smaller overall: just big enough for a 9" x 12" block and a notebook or two. It's not meant to carry everything for a two-month trip; just enough for a day's outing.
* Front folds down and straps support a stable work surface. This feature is working more or less well. The supporting cords need to be fastened so that they can be adjusted and yet not slip.
* Panel slides out for extra work surface. This feature needs work; I will be trying different solutions.
* Front pocket for seat pad. This is OK.
* Cross-body adjustable strap for hands-free working. The strap will be wider and have some padding for greater comfort.
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