Un/Limited

UN/LIMITED explores the requirements of volume and material through a daily backpack. The backpack is expandable to accommodate unexpected items but it can also be compressed into a more streamlined form to allow for better mobility. Guided by the design philosophy of 'design by reduction', the backpack is sealed by heat welding and made of a mono-material, DuPont Hytrel, or similar recyclable thermoplastic elastomers with different levels of hardness. This feature is in stark contrast to the backpacks on the market today, which are usually multi-material and difficult to recycle. They key inspiration stems from plastics that improve with age. The objective is to design a product with recyclable plastic that is sustainable, while creating a genuine bond with the user. The product has to improve with age and counter some of the negative characteristics often attributed to plastics as a cheap, transient and unemotional material. Both the longevity of a solution and its place in a circular economy are important considerations. What is its service life, how can it be reused, recycled or repurposed if it comes to the end of its utility? UN/LIMITED provides cyclists with space based on their needs. However, for the limitation of a bicycle, cyclists should not be a greedy user. They have to ensure the load they carry can keep their journey comfortable, without turning it into an obstacle. The project reflects balance and interaction between cyclists and their freedom of carrying as much, or as little as they can. Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Ready to Launch | Travel