Kjuge boulder chalk bag
Kjuge boulder chalk bag
Developed initially as a university course project focused on designing for small-scale manufacturing, the goal was to identify unmet everyday needs, then design, produce, and introduce a product addressing them. The project's direction targeted the climbing market within the outdoor gear industry. This resulted in the Kjuge Boulder Chalk Bag, a solution engineered to prevent chalk spills, securely store essentials directly on the climbing mat, and offer a unique canvas for personalization – ultimately enhancing the bouldering experience.
Developed initially as a university course project focused on designing for small-scale manufacturing, the goal was to identify unmet everyday needs, then design, produce, and introduce a product addressing them. The project's direction targeted the climbing market within the outdoor gear industry. This resulted in the Kjuge Boulder Chalk Bag, a solution engineered to prevent chalk spills, securely store essentials directly on the climbing mat, and offer a unique canvas for personalization – ultimately enhancing the bouldering experience.
Year
2020
Duration
3 Months
Category
Product design
Role
Solo Project (Product Designer)
Industry
Outdoor Gear
Client/company
Masters Course Project
Tools & Methods
Heuristic Evaluation User Journey Analysis Competitor Analysis
Key skills
User centred Research Concept Development Prototyping Small-Scale Manufacturing
Year
2020
Duration
3 Months
Category
Product design
Role
Solo Project (Product Designer)
Industry
Outdoor Gear
Client/company
Masters Course Project
Tools & Methods
Heuristic Evaluation User Journey Analysis Competitor Analysis
Key skills
User centred Research Concept Development Prototyping Small-Scale Manufacturing
Year
2020
Duration
3 Months
Category
Product design
Role
Solo Project (Product Designer)
Industry
Outdoor Gear
Client/company
Masters Course Project
Tools & Methods
Heuristic Evaluation User Journey Analysis Competitor Analysis
Key skills
User centred Research Concept Development Prototyping Small-Scale Manufacturing
Problem statement
Problem statement
The primary challenge was to identify significant, unmet everyday needs of climbers, particularly boulderers, that existing equipment failed to address effectively. Standard gear often overlooked practicalities such as preventing chronic chalk spillage both in transit and during use, providing accessible on-mat storage for essential items (phone, keys, tape) where regular bags are prohibited for safety and space reasons, and enabling the strong desire for personalization climbers often express on other items like water bottles. The core opportunity was to address these needs by designing a better chalk bag. Such a product needed to integrate functional storage, prevent spills, and satisfy the desire for personalization within this fundamental piece of climbing equipment.
The primary challenge was to identify significant, unmet everyday needs of climbers, particularly boulderers, that existing equipment failed to address effectively. Standard gear often overlooked practicalities such as preventing chronic chalk spillage both in transit and during use, providing accessible on-mat storage for essential items (phone, keys, tape) where regular bags are prohibited for safety and space reasons, and enabling the strong desire for personalization climbers often express on other items like water bottles. The core opportunity was to address these needs by designing a better chalk bag. Such a product needed to integrate functional storage, prevent spills, and satisfy the desire for personalization within this fundamental piece of climbing equipment.
Problem statement
The primary challenge was to identify significant, unmet everyday needs of climbers, particularly boulderers, that existing equipment failed to address effectively. Standard gear often overlooked practicalities such as preventing chronic chalk spillage both in transit and during use, providing accessible on-mat storage for essential items (phone, keys, tape) where regular bags are prohibited for safety and space reasons, and enabling the strong desire for personalization climbers often express on other items like water bottles. The core opportunity was to address these needs by designing a better chalk bag. Such a product needed to integrate functional storage, prevent spills, and satisfy the desire for personalization within this fundamental piece of climbing equipment.
my role & responsibilities
my role & responsibilities
This project simulated a condensed 3-month timeline encompassing initial concept through design, small-scale production, and sales. The role adopted was that of an independent entrepreneurial designer responsible for bringing a new product to market. Key responsibilities, guided by a user-centric design approach, included conducting market and user research to deeply understand climber needs, concept generation, iterative design and prototyping based on user feedback, material sourcing and selection, establishing and executing a small-scale manufacturing workflow, and managing the initial product sales. The primary focus throughout was centered on the product development process and validating the feasibility of small-scale manufacturing.
This project simulated a condensed 3-month timeline encompassing initial concept through design, small-scale production, and sales. The role adopted was that of an independent entrepreneurial designer responsible for bringing a new product to market. Key responsibilities, guided by a user-centric design approach, included conducting market and user research to deeply understand climber needs, concept generation, iterative design and prototyping based on user feedback, material sourcing and selection, establishing and executing a small-scale manufacturing workflow, and managing the initial product sales. The primary focus throughout was centered on the product development process and validating the feasibility of small-scale manufacturing.
my role & responsibilities
This project simulated a condensed 3-month timeline encompassing initial concept through design, small-scale production, and sales. The role adopted was that of an independent entrepreneurial designer responsible for bringing a new product to market. Key responsibilities, guided by a user-centric design approach, included conducting market and user research to deeply understand climber needs, concept generation, iterative design and prototyping based on user feedback, material sourcing and selection, establishing and executing a small-scale manufacturing workflow, and managing the initial product sales. The primary focus throughout was centered on the product development process and validating the feasibility of small-scale manufacturing.
Process
Discovery and Research
Initial exploration focused on identifying a product within the climbing industry suitable for development and small-scale manufacturing within a three-month timeframe. Given that bouldering requires minimal equipment beyond climbing shoes, the chalk bag emerged as the most frequently used item climbers consistently bring to every session. A review of existing products revealed several opportunities for improvement. Standard chalk bags on the market were often simple fabric containers lacking structure and features. Key issues identified included: chalk spillage (due to poor closures and lack of structure), limited storage for essentials, inability to stand freely without spilling, and limited options for personalization. These initial findings suggested significant potential to exceed current expectations. To delve deeper into user needs and behaviours, semi-structured observation was employed at several indoor climbing gyms and outdoor locations. Key observations included: climbers needing essentials on the mat but being restricted from bringing bags; a strong desire for personalization evidenced by sticker-covered water bottles (also restricted from mats); and workflow interruptions caused by accessing items stored off-mat. These combined insights pointed towards a clear opportunity: a chalk bag designed to stand freely, accommodate essentials securely, prevent spills, and offer personalization.
Discovery and Research
Initial exploration focused on identifying a product within the climbing industry suitable for development and small-scale manufacturing within a three-month timeframe. Given that bouldering requires minimal equipment beyond climbing shoes, the chalk bag emerged as the most frequently used item climbers consistently bring to every session. A review of existing products revealed several opportunities for improvement. Standard chalk bags on the market were often simple fabric containers lacking structure and features. Key issues identified included: chalk spillage (due to poor closures and lack of structure), limited storage for essentials, inability to stand freely without spilling, and limited options for personalization. These initial findings suggested significant potential to exceed current expectations. To delve deeper into user needs and behaviours, semi-structured observation was employed at several indoor climbing gyms and outdoor locations. Key observations included: climbers needing essentials on the mat but being restricted from bringing bags; a strong desire for personalization evidenced by sticker-covered water bottles (also restricted from mats); and workflow interruptions caused by accessing items stored off-mat. These combined insights pointed towards a clear opportunity: a chalk bag designed to stand freely, accommodate essentials securely, prevent spills, and offer personalization.
Process
Discovery and Research
Initial exploration focused on identifying a product within the climbing industry suitable for development and small-scale manufacturing within a three-month timeframe. Given that bouldering requires minimal equipment beyond climbing shoes, the chalk bag emerged as the most frequently used item climbers consistently bring to every session. A review of existing products revealed several opportunities for improvement. Standard chalk bags on the market were often simple fabric containers lacking structure and features. Key issues identified included: chalk spillage (due to poor closures and lack of structure), limited storage for essentials, inability to stand freely without spilling, and limited options for personalization. These initial findings suggested significant potential to exceed current expectations. To delve deeper into user needs and behaviours, semi-structured observation was employed at several indoor climbing gyms and outdoor locations. Key observations included: climbers needing essentials on the mat but being restricted from bringing bags; a strong desire for personalization evidenced by sticker-covered water bottles (also restricted from mats); and workflow interruptions caused by accessing items stored off-mat. These combined insights pointed towards a clear opportunity: a chalk bag designed to stand freely, accommodate essentials securely, prevent spills, and offer personalization.
Process
Problem Definition
Based on the research, the core problems to be addressed were defined as: the lack of a spill-proof chalk solution usable on the mat, insufficient storage within chalk bags for essentials, an unmet desire for personalization on actively used gear, and the need for a design compatible with efficient small-scale manufacturing.
Problem Definition
Based on the research, the core problems to be addressed were defined as: the lack of a spill-proof chalk solution usable on the mat, insufficient storage within chalk bags for essentials, an unmet desire for personalization on actively used gear, and the need for a design compatible with efficient small-scale manufacturing.
Process
Problem Definition
Based on the research, the core problems to be addressed were defined as: the lack of a spill-proof chalk solution usable on the mat, insufficient storage within chalk bags for essentials, an unmet desire for personalization on actively used gear, and the need for a design compatible with efficient small-scale manufacturing.
Process
Concept Exploration and Prototyping
Concept development involved iterative prototyping using paper and simple fabrics to quickly test variations in size, proportions, and feature placement. Early iterations focused on balancing chalk capacity, storage volume, and stability. Material exploration prioritized durable, lightweight options with sufficient stiffness for the bag to stand upright reliably (e.g., repurposed sailcloth), also considering lower environmental impact. During prototyping, key functional requirements like a large opening for easy chalk access and secure closure methods (leading to the roll-top and magnetic strip) were identified and refined.
Concept Exploration and Prototyping
Concept development involved iterative prototyping using paper and simple fabrics to quickly test variations in size, proportions, and feature placement. Early iterations focused on balancing chalk capacity, storage volume, and stability. Material exploration prioritized durable, lightweight options with sufficient stiffness for the bag to stand upright reliably (e.g., repurposed sailcloth), also considering lower environmental impact. During prototyping, key functional requirements like a large opening for easy chalk access and secure closure methods (leading to the roll-top and magnetic strip) were identified and refined.
Process
Concept Exploration and Prototyping
Concept development involved iterative prototyping using paper and simple fabrics to quickly test variations in size, proportions, and feature placement. Early iterations focused on balancing chalk capacity, storage volume, and stability. Material exploration prioritized durable, lightweight options with sufficient stiffness for the bag to stand upright reliably (e.g., repurposed sailcloth), also considering lower environmental impact. During prototyping, key functional requirements like a large opening for easy chalk access and secure closure methods (leading to the roll-top and magnetic strip) were identified and refined.
Solution
Spill-Proof Functionality: Utilizing a secure roll-top closure combined with an internal magnetic strip, the bag effectively seals chalk inside, preventing spills during transport and between climbs on the mat. Its large capacity accommodates ample chalk without compromising the seal.
Integrated Protective Storage: Dedicated space securely holds multiple brushes, a phone, wallet, keys, and tape. Constructed from a durable, structured material like repurposed sailcloth, it maintains shape, offers water resistance, and allows climbers to easily carry essentials between problems.
Enhanced Personalization: Offered in unique color combinations and featuring a surface suitable for stickers (like the plastic-like finish of sailcloth), the design facilitates self-expression. This translates the popular practice of personalizing water bottles to an essential piece of gear used directly on the mat.
Spill-Proof Functionality: Utilizing a secure roll-top closure combined with an internal magnetic strip, the bag effectively seals chalk inside, preventing spills during transport and between climbs on the mat. Its large capacity accommodates ample chalk without compromising the seal.
Integrated Protective Storage: Dedicated space securely holds multiple brushes, a phone, wallet, keys, and tape. Constructed from a durable, structured material like repurposed sailcloth, it maintains shape, offers water resistance, and allows climbers to easily carry essentials between problems.
Enhanced Personalization: Offered in unique color combinations and featuring a surface suitable for stickers (like the plastic-like finish of sailcloth), the design facilitates self-expression. This translates the popular practice of personalizing water bottles to an essential piece of gear used directly on the mat.
Solution
Spill-Proof Functionality: Utilizing a secure roll-top closure combined with an internal magnetic strip, the bag effectively seals chalk inside, preventing spills during transport and between climbs on the mat. Its large capacity accommodates ample chalk without compromising the seal.
Integrated Protective Storage: Dedicated space securely holds multiple brushes, a phone, wallet, keys, and tape. Constructed from a durable, structured material like repurposed sailcloth, it maintains shape, offers water resistance, and allows climbers to easily carry essentials between problems.
Enhanced Personalization: Offered in unique color combinations and featuring a surface suitable for stickers (like the plastic-like finish of sailcloth), the design facilitates self-expression. This translates the popular practice of personalizing water bottles to an essential piece of gear used directly on the mat.
Results / Impact / Outcome
The project successfully validated the design's feasibility for small-scale manufacturing and met its initial sales goals. Key outcomes include:
Successful Initial Production: An initial batch of 10 unique, custom-made chalk bags was manufactured and sold out entirely to climbers within the local gym community.
Demonstrated Market Demand: Beyond the original university project, the design has shown continued appeal, persisting as a small side project with approximately 70 additional bags produced and sold upon request.
Positive User Feedback: Qualitative feedback highlights high satisfaction, particularly regarding the convenience of accessible on-mat storage and the well-received personalization features, validating the initial research insights.
The project successfully validated the design's feasibility for small-scale manufacturing and met its initial sales goals. Key outcomes include:
Successful Initial Production: An initial batch of 10 unique, custom-made chalk bags was manufactured and sold out entirely to climbers within the local gym community.
Demonstrated Market Demand: Beyond the original university project, the design has shown continued appeal, persisting as a small side project with approximately 70 additional bags produced and sold upon request.
Positive User Feedback: Qualitative feedback highlights high satisfaction, particularly regarding the convenience of accessible on-mat storage and the well-received personalization features, validating the initial research insights.
Results / Impact / Outcome
The project successfully validated the design's feasibility for small-scale manufacturing and met its initial sales goals. Key outcomes include:
Successful Initial Production: An initial batch of 10 unique, custom-made chalk bags was manufactured and sold out entirely to climbers within the local gym community.
Demonstrated Market Demand: Beyond the original university project, the design has shown continued appeal, persisting as a small side project with approximately 70 additional bags produced and sold upon request.
Positive User Feedback: Qualitative feedback highlights high satisfaction, particularly regarding the convenience of accessible on-mat storage and the well-received personalization features, validating the initial research insights.
Takeaways / Lessons Learned
Balancing Customization and Scalability: Highlighted the need to balance customization demands with manufacturing scalability; user-applied personalization proved more effective and scalable than complex production variations.
Pragmatism within Constraints: Reinforced the necessity of prioritizing core features and accepting 'good enough' solutions for certain details to meet project constraints like expedited timelines.
Value of Holistic Process Understanding: Managing the entire product lifecycle underscored the significant impact early design decisions have on later stages, emphasizing the value of holistic thinking.
Transferability to Team Environments: The holistic understanding gained from this solo project proved directly transferable to collaborative team settings, improving the ability to anticipate cross-functional needs.
Balancing Customization and Scalability: Highlighted the need to balance customization demands with manufacturing scalability; user-applied personalization proved more effective and scalable than complex production variations.
Pragmatism within Constraints: Reinforced the necessity of prioritizing core features and accepting 'good enough' solutions for certain details to meet project constraints like expedited timelines.
Value of Holistic Process Understanding: Managing the entire product lifecycle underscored the significant impact early design decisions have on later stages, emphasizing the value of holistic thinking.
Transferability to Team Environments: The holistic understanding gained from this solo project proved directly transferable to collaborative team settings, improving the ability to anticipate cross-functional needs.
Takeaways / Lessons Learned
Balancing Customization and Scalability: Highlighted the need to balance customization demands with manufacturing scalability; user-applied personalization proved more effective and scalable than complex production variations.
Pragmatism within Constraints: Reinforced the necessity of prioritizing core features and accepting 'good enough' solutions for certain details to meet project constraints like expedited timelines.
Value of Holistic Process Understanding: Managing the entire product lifecycle underscored the significant impact early design decisions have on later stages, emphasizing the value of holistic thinking.
Transferability to Team Environments: The holistic understanding gained from this solo project proved directly transferable to collaborative team settings, improving the ability to anticipate cross-functional needs.
