Our goal is to create a hands-free, front facing storage device. We also had three very different ideas: a front pouch, a front backpack, and a vest. Many of the comments on these were specific to only one of the devices, but they open up considerations for the path we ultimately are deciding on taking. We are going to try to further the vest idea. Some questions to consider for this are things like storage space, possible back pain, accessibility for different body types, slippage, cost, weathering, and more. Ideas for add ons were also presented, such as different pocket types or counterbalance methods, which will be explored further.
From here, we will be making a paper prototype from ideally paper. As it is a vest, we are currently trying to figure out size and placement of pockets mainly. After that, we can start looking at different materials and fastening methods, one of which will be 3D printed, as well as any possible problems.
We took this assignment to be a hands-free purse, a longer term storage for someone who’s hands are constantly occupied, like with crutches. Because we expect that the user would spend more time using it our main concerns are comfort, aesthetics, and storage space. If possible additional things, like liquid storage, will be discussed later.