Otter Personal Disaster Pack by Benson Lee

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

BL : I came up with this concept during a time when there was a high occurrence of natural disasters around the world. There was a lot of projects targetting post-disaster scenarios. I discovered an opportunity area for design to help disaster victims prepare and cope with disasters. Having something personal with you during post-disaster can act as a morale booster for recovery.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

BL : The main focus was to place an emphasis on disaster preparedness. And aid the victims in a situation where they could be stuck in a wet disaster such as flashflood.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

BL : This design was part of a school project. During that time, I had always wanted to design a backpack with added functions. The incidents around the world back then inspired me to come up with this design.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

BL : Not at the moment.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

BL : I was getting a lot of inspiration from form languages of safety products and rescue equipment. However, the main inspiration comes from the practicality and utility point of view.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

BL : As the backpack comes in different configurations, it can be used by anyone in any social economic classes.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

BL : It was the first of its kind when I attempted the project.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

BL : It adjusts the user like a backward swimming otter by keeping their heads out of the water.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

BL : I was moving back and forth between Rhino and model making to study the forms and dimensions.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

BL : It is intuitive and easy to access during dire times.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

BL : It uses simple existing techonologies. In this case, waterproof and buoyant materials, and inflation method of foil balloons.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

BL : Material research and tests.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

BL : As it is a concept, I am sure it works to a certain degree. However, I could not be sure how it will work in an actual disaster scenario.