A tubular carbon fibre frame concept was proposed. It provides a lightweight but rigid structure to softside luggage, with custom moulded hardware linking the tubes together. The fabric layer can slot between the two hardware panels.
A quick overview of how this structure could house within a soft exterior was presented to the client.
The concept was approved for further development and a more detailed presentation was delivered to the client. The product styling was evolved to show John Lewis the concept was taking, detailing exterior and interior functionality as well as the unique carry handle construction.
There are a variety of size restrictions inflicted on flyers by airlines. A new concept and arrangement was potentially needed for the Easyjet requirements.
The maximum dimensions for EasyJet Cabin Luggage seemed to lend themselves to a landscape version. The front panel was redesigned but remained consistent with the upright version.
An detachable shoulder strap was included to create an easier way of carrying the case up stairs. Other functionality includes quick access padded laptop and tablet pockets on the front panel, a more slender T-Bar handle system and a comfortable neoprene carry handle. Subtle red accents were used to visual excitement to the professionally styled case.
A vertically arranged case was also presented to the clients, to adhere more closely to the brief.
After drawing up specifications, samples were made of different sizes. The products were simplified from the original concepts mainly due to budget.
A few corrections were made to colouring, assembly methods and improvements to the overall quality to be cleared for full scale production. 3 sizes were made to encompass all the airline restrictions, and different colours on piping and lining material were used to discern the various sizes.
SIZE 1
Dimensions: H55 x W40 x D20cm Capacity: 40L Unpackaged Weight: 1.8kg
Suitable to take on board the following airlines: Ryanair, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Australian Airlines, Swiss Airlines, Iberia, Thomas Cook, FlyBe, First Choice and Thomson Fly.
SIZE 2
Dimensions: H50 x W35 x D20cm Capacity: 32L Unpackaged Weight: 1.6kg
Dimensions: H50 x W35 x D20cm Capacity: 32L Unpackaged Weight: 1.6kg
Suitable to take on board any airline, including the new Easyjet Guaranteed size.
SIZE 3
Dimensions: H55 x W35 x D23cm Capacity: 40L Unpackaged Weight: 1.7kg
Suitable to take on board the following airlines: British Aiways, Virgin Atlanic, Cathay Pacific, Air France, Alitalia and KLM.
Dimensions: H55 x W35 x D23cm Capacity: 40L Unpackaged Weight: 1.7kg
Suitable to take on board the following airlines: British Aiways, Virgin Atlanic, Cathay Pacific, Air France, Alitalia and KLM.
These products that are currently on sale in John Lewis. They are also one of the lightest softside luggage products currently on the market.
