OUTDOOR GEAR
THE
UNPACK PROJECT
Provoking outdoor gear repair culture through circular system design.
Fourth Year Thesis
B.Des. in Industrial Design | Emily Carr University of Art and Design 2018-19
THE BEGINNING
The UnPack Project started from a love of being outside. Having reliable gear is an important part of getting outside, but as an industrial designer, I feel the problematic disconnect between the outdoor community’s love of the natural world, and the negative environmental impact of all the gear made to get outdoors.
I noticed parts of the outdoor community that didn’t align with the values of its participants and felt challenged to address this issue. Product durability is valued above all and yet consumers are encouraged to frequently update their gear, leaving huge amounts to be discarded. I also noticed that when gear breaks, people are hesitant to undertake repairs due to a lack of ability, materials, and confidence.
THE DESIGN
The UnPack Project proposes a space where users can begin to explore outdoor backpacks as a sum of materials that can be disassembled, modified, repaired, and hold memories. Through disassembling donated unwanted broken bags, users can gain a point of entry into understanding their packs more fully. This process encourages creative and open learning that the user can then apply to their own pack repair when they are ready.
As a circular system, the disassembled materials from the old packs are made accessible to users as materials and parts for their repairs, alterations, and designs. Ultimately, this project encourages users to consider how disassembly and repair can be used as an intervention within the outdoor community to build lasting connections to our gear and to rediscover our agency, creativity and confidence to mess with it.
THE SYSTEM AT A GLANCE
GEAR USE
DISASSEMBLY
COLLECTION
APPLICATION
These 4 simple steps form the structure for the Hub. From here, the system is flushed out into a fully comprehensive circular cycle.
THE CIRCULAR
SYSTEM MAP
The circular map outlines the system in detail. Ultimately, this map represents a concept, or one approach to the initial problem space that this project addresses. While the UnPack Project proposes a system design to address this area, it also acts as a prompt for the outdoor community to question other creative and non conventional approaches to reducing waste in the outdoor industry.
Still not sure how
the system works?
This storyboard takes you through what a user might experience using the UnPack Hub.
Results!
While the Hub is but a concept (for now!) I simulated the steps of the cycle, from collection to disassembly to application, and right back to hard core use.
These bags are some of the results!
The UnPack Project at
THE EMILY CARR GRAD SHOW 2019
The UnPack Project was part of Emily Carr University's 4th year student exhibition:
THE SHOW 2019.
Brigit Sterry was recognized within their graduation class for their passion and dedication to sustainable design throughout the year, and The UnPack Project received an Honorary Design Award at the Emily Carr Grad Show for outstanding achievement. The UnPack Project was later selected by Emily Carr University to be part of their group application to the Dubai Global Grad Show 2019.
