HUMMINGBIRD EFFECT
This bag inspired by hummingbirds, is an adaptive shoulder bag for those with mobility issues. The bag is specially adapted to be easy to open, find items, grip and adjust. It can be work as a cross shoulder bag or as a hand bag.
Inspiration
Inspired by mornings at home, my sister and I would sit outside on the front porch drinking coffee. If you look around, you can see hummingbirds flying around the hibiscus plant. Occasionally, they would fly through the house and hit the sliding glass door, which we would would then make honey water for them to drink. Once they were able to, they would fly off as if it never happened.
Customer Segment
My customer segment for this project is those who have amputations of their fingers and are missing all or some fingers. From looking at gripping aids devices, I was able to see the types of grips that work and don't. To make the adjustable strap handle more accessible, gripping has been added to the sides, making it easier to adjust. This is also where the idea came from to put holes in the zippers and to add additional pulls onto the zipper. The zippers also can be pulled each way, making it easier depending on which finger on which hand someone is missing. The compartments in the bag also make it easier to locate things and are bigger than regular pockets, each taking up half of the bag's side. The bird also makes it easy to push the bag open as it acts as a grip aid and has a light magnet on the inside. I chose to integrate my theme of hummingbirds through the use of the motifs I drew and by using the pattern I made in the previous project as well as creating a new pattern.
Placement Print
Pattern
This top eye view of the bag allows us to look inside, where we can see a patterned lining as well as pockets. These pockets make it easier to find things. A two sided zipper makes the bag easier to open for someone with all or some missing fingers. The zipper pull has two options, one being a easy to pull tie, and the other allows for more grip or a finger to be placed in.
Grip on the side makes it easier to adjust the strap lengths. The hummingbird on the front makes it easier to open, and has a light magnet underneath. A different pattern can be seen on the side.
The Design
The Process
