Do you have any problems with travel????

[Nick]

Hi,

My name is Nick and I am just completing a degree in industrial design. I have targeted the travel sector for a project and I was wondering if there any problems with the travel experience that any of you would like to see improved in a product or service. I am a frequent flyer myself but I would liek to get a feel of the demographic in order to better understand the problems involved

Perhaps you would like to see something designed that would stimulate, enhance or aid your travel experience or just make it more memorable.

Any suggestions for products are welcome.

thanking you in anticipation

Nick

[LisaM]

Hi Nick,

Congrats on moving toward finishing your degree! Is there something specific you're looking for? ie relates to air travel, reservations, etc? I'd be happy to pipe in but don't want to waste your time rambling so just give a "little" more on what you're looking for.

[Nick]

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for the reply.

My course is product design orientated. An area that I am investigating right now is the suitcase. A bit obvious I realise but it is probably the thing that you are most likely to take with you when travelling.

With an increase in airport security and weight restrictions I was considering something that allows for more flexiblity when overweight or an intelligent suitcase design that indicates your weight.

But I don't want my train of thought to become to focussed on the suitcase - it is just an area of possibilty.

I would really like to solve a problem with a product. I don't expect a possible conept idea....they don't always solve the core problem. But perhaps an area that you feel requires some attention/focus for research. This can be related to any element of the travel experience albeit air travel or reservations.

Thanks again for the reply, Regards

Nick

[LisaM]

Nick,

Well you certainly touch on "problematic' area. As a business traveler always on airplanes I typically don't have to take much to warrant "checking" bags. But I also dislike the "roller" bags as their frames are bulky and don't allow much room for clothes anyway (especially in winter). Typically I carry two items: my computer bag (also a pain in the @ss, and a duffle bag for my clothes/personal items). If I could trust the integrity of the bag (suitcase), I'd love to put my computer and one/two files I need in it and have room for my other stuff. I'm a thrifty packer, so being able to combine it one area would save the wear on my shoulders of lugging two bags. Rollers really are nice for saving back/shoulder strain, but so far they don't allow for easy stowing. I can always throw my duffle in a spot overhead.

Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions!

Lisa
Oh wait...and then there is the entire "travel for skiing" issue. Ever gone on a ski trip and had to lug skis/boots/winter coats/gloves, etc? Ugh. Thats a whole new ball game!

[Nick]

Lisa,

Hmmmm, you have given me some problems.......which as I designer I am delighted for. I can affiliate with the repetitive strain injuries endured from heavy loads. And you are right, this can be minimised with the "roller" bags. There are similar encasements for laptops but only specific to that market.

I'm thinking......."Hybrid". Perhaps somethinkg that allows for the flexibility of both. I do need to consider the checking of bags scenario so perhaps a product that tries to encompass this design criteria also.

The Skiiing issue is something that I had not thought too deeply about but will investigate also.

You've set the ball rolling....Thank you!!! I will return with more developed and focused thoughts

Warm Regards

Nick