Trace
Function driven carry-on with integrated item tracking.
Overview:
Designed around common airport and travel pain points
Functional carry-on layout optimized for movement and access
Future thinking- NFC-enabled fabric provides visibility into bag contents
Digital interface supports awareness without adding complexity
Carry-on Bag Evolution
Investigated the evolution of carry-on travel from structured steam trunks to hard-shell rolling cases to soft shoulder bags
Analyzed how mobility, material innovation, and travel behavior shaped each shift
Studied modern carry-on formats to understand current expectations around flexibility and access
Used the BÉIS Carry-On Travel Bag as a contemporary benchmark for organization and function
Market Research
User Research
Conducted qualitative interviews with two current owners of the BÉIS Travel Carry-On
Both participants expressed strong dissatisfaction with the bag despite its popularity
Explored pain points related to weight distribution, structure, accessibility, and daily usability
Identified gaps between aesthetic appeal and functional performance
Used insights to inform TRACE’s emphasis on balance, comfort, and intuitive organization
Brand Langauge & Moodboard
Ideation
After critique from my classmates and evaluation of user research I decided to go with a more organic shaped bag that formed to the body
The users identified problems with the strap as well as the rigidy of the bag as main pain points
With this bag design I focused on a wide strap with an organic shape and elastic material that would allow for more room and user personalization
UI/ UX Integration
I wanted to continue to add comfort and accessibility to travel and its needs. I started to imagine what could be possible with NFC-tracking fabric. Imagine it could recognize every item inside your bag, like an airtag. Inspired by Apple’s location tracking and Find My, I developed an app that could reflect this futuristic technology. Paired with the carry on bag- travel could be comfortable and reasurring.