The purpose of this backpack hook design is to build a meaningful relationship with the users of the studio space and where to put their bags. This will reduce the inconvenience of placing a backpack on the ground and give the students ease of having their belongings close to them. This is a versatile design so each user can customize the product to optimize their experience with it.

 

The hook is made out of a 1-½ inch x 32 inch x ⅛ thick piece of steel from Home Depot, along with a few flatheads and a couple felt pads, so the metal won’t ruin the tables. I chose to use steel for this product for multiple reasons:

1. I wanted the hook to support the heavy backpacks and coats that students carry around campus. Since the hook is made out of steel, it is able to hold 20 lbs+. 

2.  Using materials similar to those in the studio space would make the hook feel more natural to the space. The studio room has exposed steel and other metal materials throughout, wood tables with black metal legs, and exposed pipes. I went with steel because it would blend in with other black/metal features scattered throughout the room.

I was able to form the steel by clamping it with a vise and bending it with a rubber mallet.

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The hook is has two screws in it to allow versatility for the user. They can choose to switch the direction of hook, facing inward or outward, to however would best fit their needs. If the hook is facing inward, the user won't have to worry about accidentally knocking it off the table or hitting it with their arms or hips, because it fastens to the table. The product is portable and flexible, like the rest of the studio; the room is not intended to be fixed so I want the user to be able to freely move the hook to where it best works for them. The shape of the hook allows for versatility, the user could place their bags, coats, headphones, water bottle, keys, etc.