DSLK
Index
case-study
product-design
About
Carrion is a high-end hardshell cabin luggage defined by its sleek automotive silhouettes.
Contributions
Industrial Design, CAD modeling, Visualization
Tools
Rhino-8, SolidWorks, Pro-create, Figma
Duration
3 weeks, 2023
User research
My target demographics were male consumers drawn to automotive styling and the precision of high-end functional design objects.
The demographic of people who invest in premium, concept-driven luggage are often frequent travelers who view their gear as a direct extension of their personal style and taste.
Majority of this demographic are likely to be automotive enthusiasts, highly observant of material finishes and hardware integration, and are discerning spenders who prioritize precision-manufactured, durable statement pieces over conventional, mass-produced travel accessories.
Market research
Competitive consumer market, ranging from mass manufactured to high-end luxury products.
The carry on luggage price ranged drastically depending on the brand and product. The targeted range I chose formed a price line around the price range of 900.00 - 1,600.00 USD.
Many luggage brands, different options, range, pros and cons.
Luggages are categorized by size, shell type, and wheel configuration. Design differ depending on the targeted demographic, whether they prioritize capacity and flexibility, or superior protection for fragile items and electronics.
Rimowa
$990.00 — $1,550.00
Tumi
$595.00 — $1,295.00
Samsonite
$90.00 — $500.00
Away
$225.00 — $345.00
Different airlines, similar luggages dimension requirements.
Individual airlines have a different policy for how big of a carry-on luggage you can carry. However, generally the difference in size remains similar as to 22 X 14 X 9 inches.
How might we
How can I design a high-end luggage balancing automobile styling and functionality in a consumer-driven market?
The luggage market is saturated with utilitarian boxes that often lack emotional resonance. By translating the aesthetics of automobiles, this project aims to create a travel companion that appeals to automotive enthusiasts without sacrificing the rigorous demands of modern transit.
Moodboard and references
Harmonizing performance with a uni-body, restrained industrial EV aesthetic.
I sought to capture the iconic automotive heritage and the clean, unibody surfacing of modern EVs. Through careful curation of CMF and form, the resulting aesthetic balances technical minimalism with structural rigidity, grounding the product in an atmosphere of refined, quiet performance.
new gen/EV
performance
vintage/classic
iconic
Design language; imagining CMF, form, and mood
Taking design inspiration from iconic EV models and luggages.
I started by sketching out side-profiles of Carrion to explore basic silhouettes. This was followed by 14 more detailed side profile sketches to refine the concepts.
Bench mark — Rimowa Topas
Reference model — Polestar 2
Reference model — Rivian R1S
Reference model — Tesla model 3
Initial draft/ exploration
Design and CAD modeling
I modeled the sketch in Rhino-8, utilizing its advanced surface modeling features, and to access flexible design capabilities.
CMF and DFM consideration, manufacturability and assembly
The outer shell of Carrion is made of high-impact polycarbonate, finished with an automotive-grade metallic base and a 2K matte clear coat to deliver a highly durable scratch-resistant exterior. The central structural frame utilizes lightweight aluminum integrated with a EPDM gasket, ensuring structural integrity and air tight closure. For the wheels and handles, a matte black anodized aluminum is paired with soft-touch TPU and glass-filled nylon, providing a robust, silent-rolling performance.
To optimize manufacturability, Carrion’s injection-molded polycarbonate shells integrate a 3 degree draft angle and rely on side-action tooling to cleanly form complex undercuts, such as the recessed wheel wells and handle housings.
Furthermore, the assembly strategy champions right-to-repair principles by utilizing internal mechanical fasteners rather than permanent adhesives, allowing high-wear components like the wheel hubs to be easily serviced over the product's lifespan.
Final design
Introducing Carrion, a high-end hardshell carry-on luggage defined by its sleek automotive silhouettes.
The visual language of the design is driven by the concept of quiet performance, a balance between striking silhouettes and understated details. By referencing the seamless, unibody construction of contemporary electric vehicles, with the subtle performance-oriented hardware details, the design transforms standard luggage into an expressive premium statement piece.
Wide grip handles for extra stability and control.
Carrion’s handle spans across the full width of the top profile, minimizing structural flex while giving your hands extra clearance and intuitive control during transit.
Spacious cargo space to fit all your personal items.
Engineered for maximum spatial efficiency, the deep-draw interior provides cavernous, unobstructed storage, securely encased and protected by the rigid extruded aluminum perimeter frame.
2-wheel roller design that allow effortless commute in all different terrains.
The wheel assemblies are tucked cleanly into the case's sweeping lines to preserve its unibody aesthetic, utilizing vibration-dampening materials for a smooth, high-stability glide across any terminal floor.
Integrated low profile security lock.
A highly secure, low-profile combination lock engineered directly into the central chassis to preserve the case's dynamic sweeping lines and completely eliminate external snag points during transit.
Four different color options
Carrion is offered in four curated finishes, with a final clear coat to increase scratch resistances. Keeping the shell pristine trip after trip.
