Swift Industries -Ardea Pack
Design, Sampling & Product Development
All Product Photos Courtesy of Swift Industries
The Design, Development, and Sampling work included:
Independent Market Research
Conceptual Design - Including Shape Study and Initial Prototyping
Product Design - with Collaborative Reviews and Revisions
Pattern making - Creation of Finished Pattern with Detailed Labeling
Sampling - Creation of Product Samples
Spec. Pack Development and Technical Info. for Factory Outsourced Production
Technical Drawings and Specifications
Delivery of Components within Timeline to meet Product Launch
The original concept for the Ardea Pack was to create a day pack for use while fly fishing and cycling, allowing a quick transition between activities. The folks at Swift put forth a design brief including a list of features, materials and findings they were interested in using, as well as a conceptual drawing.
Product Photos Courtesy of Swift Industries
DESIGN PROCESS
After reviewing the design brief, market research was conducted spanning multiple outdoor industries. Images and ideas were pulled and compiled from products across fly fishing, hiking, and cycling.
INITIAL SKETCHES & PROTOTYPING
The bulk of the initial designing consisted of hand sketching, with a primary focus on overall shape. Studying the varied shapes of existing bags, and the problem of proper attachment to both handle bars and hips led to a wide array of possibilities in this phase. Incorporating the knowledge of Swift Industries’ manufacturing processes and products, the design moved forward with a wide, symmetrically tapered and somewhat shallow rectangular shape. This shape was chosen to maximize capacity while keeping the bag’s contents close to the body and handlebars to minimize their movement while in use.
SAMPLING & REVISION
Once the proposed shape and size of the bag were approved, additional features were developed and sampled in fabric. The systems of handlebar and hip attachment were proposed and revised collaboratively. Details such as pockets, compression straps, findings, and accessory attachment points were developed and finalized.
A sample was sewn including all findings and materials to be used in production. Small revisions to the sample were discussed and changed as needed.
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Measurements from the final pattern and sample were then used to develop accurate to-scale technical drawings for use in the specification pack to be sent to the factory. All usage of material and findings were measured and put into a Tech Pack. This included instructions for constructing every seam on the bag as well as a detailed and organized presentation of all components used and where they end up.
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"Trevor (at SLUG MFG.) brought the Ardea Pack to life through adept conceptual skills, professional client management, and versed technical knowledge to deliver a product complete with all manufacturing specs. The Ardea Pack was delivered ready-for-market, complete with expertly sewn samples and tech packs."
Martina Brimmer, Co-Founder of Swift Industries
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"Trevor worked for Swift Industries doing contract production sewing and design. He brought an exceptional attention to detail. He is focused and efficient, masters complex designs quickly and delivers a high quality product. I would absolutely recommend him for contract sewing or design services."
Ilana Holmes, Brand Manager (Former Production Manager) at Swift Industries