Enso

Type

Softgoods

Duration

6 Weeks

Project Brief

Create a high-quality softgoods product that integrates cooperatively with the Module 1 "Kanso" project through shared user-centered goals.

Size Constraints

11x8x8 inches

Design Requirments

The product must maintain a cohesive aesthetic with the target user’s existing design ecosystem while prioritizing ergonomics, durability, and high-quality shelf-ready construction using industrial patternmaking and sewing techniques.

A sustainable, softgoods solution designed to streamline the urban commute for the modern yoga practitioner.

Target User

Demographics

Professional Instructors and Urban Yoga Practitioners (Ages 20–50)

Key Needs

Prioritizes comfort and durability; requires a lightweight system that organizes essentials without disrupting the user's minimalist aesthetic and aligns with their consumer values.

Pain Points

Carrying a yoga mat to and from studio through urban environments.

Research & Insights

Market Opportunity

Identified a critical lack of yoga gear that utilizes genuine biomaterials. While many brands use "recycled" synthetics, these still contribute to microfiber shedding; this research drove the decision to pivot toward 100% biodegradable organic cotton and natural wood hardware.

User Insights

Analysis of online community discussions confirmed that while the mat is the primary gear essential, the true pain point for urban yogis is carrying their mat to and from practice.

Aesthetic Bridge

Leveraged the Japanese "Enso" principle (representing balance and represented by the circle) to correlate with the "Kanso" speaker's minimalist identity. This ensures the two products feel like part of the same professional "brand" despite their different functions.

Ideation and Concept Development

Key Design Points

Fully biodegradable - ecofriendly materials

Gender neutral

Easy to carry on public transport

Low profile & Minimalistic

Durable and waterproof

Stylish, but not too trendy

Able to carry essential items with ease and organization

Compact and easily stored

Refinement and Final Concept Direction

Patternmaking

Feedback & Testing

Translated 3D concepts into 2D patterns through iterative sample making, testing seam allowances and structural load points for a yoga mat’s weight as well as the function of the yoga mat straps

Incorporated user fit testing to ensure the strap placement and pocket accessibility remained ergonomic for a commuter.

Prototyping & Pattern Making

Final Concept Construction

During this phase I went through multiple iterations of my pieces and frequent fit and use testing. This ensured that my final model was at a shelf ready quality and functioned as intended.