No one prizes their drawing and sketching implements more than designers. Kollapse addresses a need among design students for a portable, easy to use pencil case that keeps items protected but readily available. The final design provides one hand use in an elegant, streamlined form.
YEAR: 2017 | DURATION: 2 months | ROLE: User Research, Design, Branding | TEAM of 3
During initial ideation, the team explored wide range of options to address the specific pencil case needs of designers. With one-handed use and durability as primary objectives, the telescoping design came out on top in terms of ease of use, versatility, and portability.
Prototypes for user testing included cardboard and 3D printed iterations. Users enjoyed the idea of a collapsible pencil case to use on the go, but generally complained about "hand feel" and had some difficulty when first opening the pencil case. Coming back to the design, we worked to improve the shape and proportions of the overall form, as well as refining and reinforcing the lid.
The final prototype was 3D printed in ABS with embedded neodymium magnets and molded silicone hinges. For larger scale manufacturing, this would be achieved through injection molding, with the hinges created through overmolding.
Kollapse is a hybrid pencil case, designed for use on a desk or on-the-go. The magnetic mechanisms keep the items secure while in travel and enables easy, one handed deployment on a flat surface. Closing for travel is as simple as lifting the pencil case back off of your desk. The ergonomic shape easily fits in a backpack or bag while doubling as a table top pencil holder. The vertical orientation makes finding objects easier, and the bottom compartment allows for securing other small necessities, like erasers or USB drives.
Kollapse at the Fall 2017 Penn Design Fair