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E-Pak

Designing a smart backpack // A Conceptual Project

Duration
  • In Progress
Platform
  • Backpack & Mobile
Tools
  • Figma // Photoshop // Physical Materials
Design Team
  • Charlotte Mehaffey & Raquel Hernandez
My Role
  • UX Designer // Product Designer

Project overview

For this project on wearable computing, our team designed a smart backpack prototype that integrates a user-friendly interface and advanced technology to enhance daily convenience and security.

Focused on creating a wearable user interface that goes beyond traditional screens, our prototype addresses the unique challenges of on-the-go interactions. Key features include wireless charging capabilities for devices and gadgets stored in the bag, anti-theft measures that send notifications if tampering is detected, and location tracking to assist users in finding the backpack if it gets misplaced. Additionally, the backpack features an inventory management system that allows users to view a digital list of items packed and receive alerts if any item is missing based on their packing history.

This project demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to tangible user interfaces, reimagining wearable tech as both functional and seamlessly integrated into everyday objects.

The Needs

SECURITY & ANTI-THEFT //
  • Users need to feel confident that their belongings are secure in public spaces.
  • Anti-theft features should include tamper detection and instant notifications for unauthorized access attempts.
  • Location tracking is necessary to help users find the backpack if it’s lost or stolen.
ON-THE-GO CHARGING //
  • Users should have access to wireless charging for devices without needing additional cables or outlets.
  • The charging interface must be easy to access and support various types of devices (e.g., phones, tablets).
INVENTORY //
  • Users require a digital inventory system that keeps track of items within the backpack.
  • Notifications should alert users to items that may be missing based on previous packing history.
  • The interface should allow users to quickly check what’s in the bag, helping them stay organized and efficient.

The Goal

To design a smart backpack that seamlessly integrates wearable technology to enhance security, convenience, and organization for users on the go. By combining features like wireless charging, anti-theft measures, and digital inventory management, this wearable interface aims to provide a secure, efficient, and user-friendly experience for everyday use.

MY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • UX/UI Design
  • UX Strategy
  • Product Design
  • Manufactoring

Understanding the User

Our design process for the E-Pak smart backpack was driven by user feedback and iterative testing to ensure the features met real user needs.

We started by individually sketching ideas to avoid bias, later merging our preferred features: the J hook charger, charging pockets, a physical passcode lock, and a camera for inventory tracking. Based on user feedback, we refined the design further. For example, while some users appreciated the tracking and locking features, others felt these elements were unnecessary or raised concerns about weight and washability. To address these insights, we made the fabric cut-resistant, added a running inventory list accessible through the app, and ensured electronic components could be removed for easy cleaning. We positioned the passcode keypad on top of the backpack for intuitive access and prioritized modularity to cater to diverse user preferences.

This user-centered approach allowed us to balance functionality and customization, paving the way for a practical and versatile wearable device.

Storyboards

We created a storyboard to visualize how users would interact with the E-Pak in real-life scenarios, which helped us refine the design to meet their needs more effectively. By mapping out each step—like charging devices on the go, using the passcode lock, and accessing the inventory list—we could anticipate potential challenges and clarify how the backpack’s features would fit into daily routines. This process allowed us to communicate the backpack’s functionality more clearly, ensuring that each design decision aligned with a seamless user experience.

Ideate

Concept Sketches
  • In the ideation phase, we created individual concept sketches to explore design possibilities for the E-Pak. Working independently allowed us to bring diverse ideas together, which we then refined by evaluating each sketch for practical features and usability. This process helped us focus on essential elements, setting a solid foundation for the final design.

Prototype

Mid-Fidelity Prototype

We created mid-fidelity prototypes showcasing the core user interactions with the E-Pak app, including inventory tracking, remote unlocking, location tracking, and settings.

View the Mi-Fi Prototype
HOME SCREEN
HOME
SETTINGS SCREEN
SETTINGS
UNLOCK SCREEN
UNLOCK
INVENTORY SCREEN
INVENTORY
GPS SCREEN
GPS
00

Physical Model

Here are images of the E-Pak physical model, complete with annotations highlighting key design features such as secure compartments, the J hook charger, and the user-friendly passcode lock.

E-Pak Demo

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