Technical Study on
Adaptive Luggage Solutions
Integrating Origami Principles and Mathematical Models for Solo Traveler Efficiency
Chloe Seojin Park
2023-2024 Spring Semester ISDN2002: Second Year Project Independent Study
Why Origami?
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RESEARCH CONTEXT
Solo travelers in urban environments like Hong Kong face fluctuating luggage needs and limited storage space. Traditional luggage does not adapt to changing volume requirements or space constraints. This research aims to develop a foldable luggage system inspired by origami, which adapts to variable volumes and minimizes footprint when not in use.
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ABSTRACT
This study explores the application of origami-inspired design principles to create an expandable and collapsible luggage system for solo travelers. The research focuses on fold pattern geometry, material flexibility, and tensile strength, aiming to enhance space efficiency and user convenience. By leveraging mathematical modeling, this study seeks to provide design strategies that improve the adaptability and functionality of luggage for modern travelers.
How can we design
a luggage system that is
both expandable and collapsible,
ensuring structural integrity and ergonomic ease
for solo travelers?
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RESEARCH METHODS
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Literature Review
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Design Exploration
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Material Analysis
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Prototype Development
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User Testing and Feedback
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Comparative Analysis
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RESEARCH PARAMETERS
Fold Pattern Geometry
Efficiency of fold patterns, measured by crease angle calculations ensuring α + γ = β + δ = 360° for flat-foldability.
Material Flexibility and Tensile Strength
Measured by bending stiffness (D = E × t³ / 12(1 - ν²)) and tensile strength.
Volume and Space Efficiency
Optimization of luggage volume (Volume = length × width × height) adjusted for origami design.
Load-Bearing Capacity
Analyzed using stress (σ = F / A) and strain (ε = ΔL / L₀).
Weight of the Final Product
Calculated as Weight = Volume × Density.
User Testing and Evaluation
Overview
User testing is crucial for gathering feedback on the conceptual design and usability of the expandable and collapsible luggage. This testing aimed to identify potential issues and areas for improvement using paper prototypes.
Objectives
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Evaluate Usability: Assess how easily users understand and interact with the paper prototype.
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Gather Conceptual Feedback: Collect user impressions and suggestions.
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Identify Design Flaws: Detect major issues with fold patterns and overall design.
Methodology
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Participant Selection
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Demographics: Solo travelers, aged 20-50, residing in urban areas (Hong Kong and Korea)
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Sample Size: 9 participants
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Testing Environment
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Controlled Setting: Conducted in a room with tables and chairs for comfortable interaction with the paper prototype.
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Testing Protocol
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Introduction and Instructions: Participants were briefed on the study’s purpose and given instructions on interacting with the paper prototype.
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Hands-On Interaction: Participants folded and unfolded the paper prototype, simulating expansion and collapse.
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Observation: Noted participant actions, ease of understanding, and any issues.
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Surveys and Interviews: Post-test surveys and interviews gathered detailed feedback.
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Key Metrics
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Ease of Understanding: Clarity of instructions and ease of understanding the fold patterns.
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Task Completion: Percentage of participants able to fold and unfold the prototype correctly on the first attempt.
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Volume Expansion (%): Percentage increase in volume when the luggage is fully expanded.
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Foldability Efficiency: How easily the luggage can be folded and unfolded.
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User Satisfaction (1-10): User feedback rating from testing sessions.
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Suggestions for Improvement: Specific ideas and feedback for refining the design.
Evaluation Table for Paper Prototype Models
Results Summary
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Ease of Understanding:
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Instruction Clarity: Most participants found the folding instructions clear.
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Task Completion: Majority were able to fold and unfold the prototype correctly on the first attempt, with improvement after minimal guidance.
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Conceptual Feedback:
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Positive Reactions: Participants appreciated the innovative concept and potential space-saving benefits.
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Negative Reactions: Some found the folding process initially confusing.
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Design Flaws:
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Common Issues: Difficulty in aligning fold lines precisely, potential fragility of paper material.
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Suggestions: Use color-coded fold lines for better guidance, consider more durable materials.
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Conclusion
User testing with the paper prototypes provided valuable insights into the initial usability and conceptual viability of the expandable and collapsible luggage design. While the prototypes were well-received overall, feedback highlighted the need for clearer folding instructions and more robust materials for future iterations.
Possible Further Developments
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Refine Fold Patterns: Improve clarity of fold instructions using color-coding or step-by-step diagrams.
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Material Exploration: Research and test more durable materials that simulate the final product.
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Develop Advanced Prototypes: Create more advanced prototypes in life size based on feedback that requires less user input and higher durability for further testing and validation.
