Samsonite had acquired the American heritage luggage brand hartmann in 2012. Two years later, the brand was not performing as expected, thus, the VP of Design and myself were hired. Our initial task was to reimagine the brand for the contemporary classic persona that provided a premium traveling experience.
The project was executed while designing the replacement for the Intensity collection with a price point of $449.99
The product was sold at the hartmann stores worldwide. Additionally, for Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Delta.
Lead Industrial Designer
April 2015 - March 2016
Users find it difficult to lift, carry, and manoeuvre while rolling the suitcases as they are tall, and narrow cubes.
The carry-on dimensions are ruled by the airlines’ restrictions, national or international, across different continents.
The largest suitcase having to fit the small and medium case becomes a rather long unstable cube.
The handle is too high forcing the user to put their arm at an uncomfortable position.
Notes were taken across several trips taken nationally and internationally that took place in a year’s time frame.
User interviews were done with eight Samsonite employees that have travelled with the hartmann luggage. The demographics were five women and three men within the group.
Additionally, online customer reviews were taken into consideration as well as comments received by our staff at the hartmann stores.
My first trip to China after the project started, I took the product to have a diary of the journey experience while packing, travelling, living out of the suitcase and returning home.
Poor case frame construction makes the case move side to side making the wheels roll poorly.
The overall dimensions are long and narrow compromising the case's stability.
Trolley handle has only two height options. The handle's sharp and straight edges lack a sense of ergonomics.
Carry handle is made of leather with stiff side edges which make the handle uncomfortable to hold.
Wheels did not roll smoothly partly due to the frame.
Volumes were determined by the existing capacity offered with the medium and large cases.
Small case: size dimensions follow the airline requirements.
Medium: target volume - 4,144 in³
Large: target volume - 6,435 in³
The main objective was to reduce the height of the medium and large cases so that users could hold and lift the cases more comfortably.
Width and depth were increased accordingly as the height was reduced.
Long-bound frame construction frame
Recessed wheels lowering the centre of gravity
Engineering a modular wheel housing system
Three steel cartridge bearings were added to reduce friction
Material choice for superior quality and performance
Through experimentation and prototyping, it was identified that the trolley handle was not wide enough to turn and control the case.
Width was increased to allow users’ hands to grip at multiple positions throughout their journey.
The button was placed underneath to allow the user to adjust the height without losing the grip.
1-inch height increments were added to better fit the user’s height.
The handle was redesigned with a round shape and smooth finish which gave an elegant look and pure functionality.
Prototypes + user testing proved an improvement on lifting, carrying & rolling the case.
Overall dimensions enhanced the living out of the suitcase as the case fit perfectly on the luggage rack.
Trolley handle + wheels system combination gave a premium user experience while gliding through the airport, trains station, and hotels.
