MaCher Design Challenge

Project Description

An academic project done in collaboration with MaCher, a sustainable product design company and certified B Corporation, in a competition against our classmates. Where our team were tasked to reimagine MaCher's gadget case; one of five key products that MaCher provides for their clients. We were also required to create a digital companion to accompany the physical product. Our team redesigned the gadget case into more of a gadget bag. What we called "The Wander Bag" designed with removable inserts that allow for adaptive storage and multiple configurations to wear or carry the bag. The digital companion the "Wander Wiz" is an SMS-based digital concierge. Assisting the user through any questions, problems, or even recommendations. Where our team won the competition between our classmates and were able to work with MaCher further. Creating spec sheets to get official product samples of our gadget bag from their manufacture.

Problem

The problem our team aimed to solve was for student travelers, providing them with a versatile gadget case that could be used for a myriad of purposes on their trip. With the digital companion making the pre, post and during trip activities more enjoyable. Over the course of the project we faced a myriad of challenges, from strict design constraints, cost management, environmental and sustainability concerns, and a few patent concerns.

Insights

Through our research and user interviews, our team gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals using traditional gadget cases. We found that a common frustration revolves around the lack of adaptability in storing and organizing tech essentials. Students then expressed the desire for adaptability in use.

Solutions

For the physical product our solution was “The Wanderer Gadget Bag”. A versatile modular case with removable organizing inserts that easily transforms the standard gadget case into the wanderer, a perfect travel companion for student travelers. The digital companion solution was the “Wander Wiz”. An SMS-based digital concierge that aided the user through any pre-trip planning, providing recommendations for activities on their trip, and engaging with users after their trip by recommending similar experiences the user can attend at home.