I’m an industrial design student interested in creating products that balance sustainability, usability, and practical problem-solving. My recent work includes developing a multifunctional camp chair that transforms into a bike frame bag, which pushed me to explore circular design, ergonomics, and simple mechanisms that make everyday tasks easier. I enjoy working through real user needs, testing ideas through prototypes, and finding ways to make products more efficient and thoughtful.

Jonah Lee

 

My project focuses on designing a multifunctional camp chair that transforms into a bike frame bag. The goal is to address a gap in bikepacking equipment where comfort, sustainability, and practicality often compete rather than work together. Many riders carry a chair for camp comfort but struggle with the extra bulk, while frame bags are essential for storage but serve only one purpose. This project explores how a single product can meet both needs without adding weight or complexity. I approached the project through a mixed-methods process. I ran a small user survey to understand what recreational riders value most, and comfort, packability, and durability came up repeatedly. I analysed existing chairs and frame bags to see where they fall short, especially in repairability, materials, and long-term usability. Prototyping played a big role in testing folding mechanisms, load distribution, and how fabric behaves when shifting between the two modes. Circular design principles guided the decisions. I looked for ways to simplify components, avoid unnecessary hardware, and choose materials that can either be repaired easily or recovered at the end of the product’s life. The structure aims to be modular so users can replace or upgrade parts rather than throw the whole product away. The final concept offers comfort at camp and reliable storage on the bike, without requiring riders to carry extra gear. It reduces clutter, cuts down on single-purpose items, and encourages a more thoughtful approach to equipment design. This project sits at the intersection of user-centred thinking, sustainability, and practical innovation. It shows how multifunctional products can support people who want equipment that works harder for them while keeping environmental impact in mind.