Example of a student project: Briefcase or bag?

This is a student project that was completed by one of the 4th year students in our programme. The realistic background for the project as well as the thorough process are typical for our programme of study.

In recent years, very many young people have started using laptop computers, but most of the bags on the market have not kept up with this development. The zippers and closing mechanisms make the process of pulling out the laptop a troublesome and almost devout action. The laptops, on the other hand, have become smaller with improved battery capacity and wireless technology, which stimulates for use anytime, anywhere, just like mobile phones.

This is the background for developing concepts which are further developed by means of sketches, models and testing. The concepts are refined and evaluated up against one another until a single idea emerges as the best solution.

Student project for the future

The final result was called Knagg, a combination of a bag and a box, with one soft and one hard side. The product can be used as an independent shoulder bag or be put into a larger bag or rucksack. At the same time, it functions as a small, practical desk.

After handing in the project, Mathias has continued working on it together with product designer Harald Sævareid. In August 2002, the model Knagg was displayed at Form 2002, the designers’ autumn exhibition at Aker Brygge in Oslo. At the same time, Mathias and Harald received financial support from SND to develop Knagg further. They are currently trying to start the production.

What can a designer to about that?

The student Mathias Molden started with this discrepancy between laptops and laptop bags and analyzed the shopping pattern of laptop users with a view to existing products.

Article collection

Final year students are required to write an article such as fordypning i PD-9. Articles submitted in recent years can be read from this page where the project assignment solutions are also found.

The master’s thesis is the final test in the Industrial Design programme. In their thesis, the candidates are given the opportunity to show that they are able to use the knowledge and skills which they have acquired through their studies to complete an independent development or research work. The thesis is completed at the Department of Product Design.

The thesis may be formulated within 3 main categories:

1. Practical (design project)
2. Theoretical (specialization project)
3. A combination of these. The submitted material must include sufficient documentation of results and the working process.

The Department of Product Design arranges a master’s thesis exhibition usually the 3rd week in January, where all master’s theses are presented. When handing in their thesis, the candidates will present their projects for sensors and partners. This presentation is part of the examination result basis.