WaterField Designs Invites Customers to Help Design Ideal In-Flight Accessory Case

San Francisco based WaterField Designs invites customers and air travelers to participate in developing the next generation in-flight travel case, the Air Porter.

Frustrated with limited legroom, smaller seats and differing airplane configurations, Waterfield customers frequently request a convenient travel accessory case to keep necessities readily available in-flight. WaterField is tackling the challenge and involving customers in the process from idea to production. WaterField’s initial survey, live now, received over 1,000 responses within the first four hours.

“We all travel with devices and necessities we need to access throughout our flight, just as it seems in-flight space becomes increasingly limited,” explained company owner, Gary Waterfield. “We love working with customers this early in the process, because we know our end-product will specifically meet their needs.”

WaterField’s first Air Porter video provides an overview of the collaborative project, and a frequent flyer survey is collecting data about customers’ in-flight needs. Periodic video updates will inform contributors of design developments and provide them with the continued opportunity to contribute feedback. WaterField will iterate the Air Porter design until it truly meets the needs of those who will use it.

Since its inception twenty years ago, WaterField Designs has incorporated customer feedback into product designs. Its classic laptop Sleevecase was designed in 2000 for members of the MIT Media Lab looking for custom-fit PC laptop protection. More recently, WaterField used Kickstarter to design the Intrepid Travel Walleta hybrid wallet, phone and travel document case that was over-funded by 1000%. This year, WaterField worked with gaming enthusiasts to develop Nintendo Switch cases, employing a collaborative process that resulted in three different products, each for different use scenarios. Now WaterField builds on its customer-focused tradition as it develops the Air Porter in-flight carryall.

Air Porter Survey and Project Video:
https://www.sfbags.com/pages/air-porter-design-team

Source: Waterfield Design