The final sample of our new 2-way bag is complete. We'll explain the development process and key features.
Hello! I'm Nakajima, a designer at HushTug, and Kuramoto, who is in charge of product planning for women's products.
This time, we'd like to introduce the final sample of our women's "2-Way Bag," which has been completed.
We'll also explain in detail the development process, the planner's specific points of focus, the size, and the actual storage capacity.
Please read to the end!
Background of Development: Challenging the "Classic Mini Bag"
While we have previously developed items with unique features, such as quilted bags, this time we are deliberately challenging the "classic route" of women's bags: the mini bag.
Although we had previously released business totes as part of our women's product planning, the background for this project was a desire to create a popular, classic bag design that could be used for private outings.
We brought to life a design that is "classic and popular, suitable for private outings."
We are manufacturing this product with the aim of creating a simple, high-quality item that can be a long-lasting classic.
Three Key Design Points
To achieve both design and practicality, we focused particularly on the following three points during development.
1. Center of Gravity Design: Fine-tuning shoulder strap placement to prevent bag inversion
The most time-consuming adjustment was the position of the hardware for attaching the shoulder strap.
In the initial sample, the position was too low, causing the bag's center of gravity to be unstable when worn cross-body, leading to it flipping over.
We heard from the artisans that there had been cases of "bags inverting and contents spilling out" with other products in the past, so we thoroughly focused on the center of gravity design.
To find the fine line between "not flipping over" and "easy to use," we made repeated, detailed adjustments.
By placing the hardware at the "absolute highest" position that doesn't hinder the ease of opening and closing the zipper, we have achieved both stability and usability.
2. Handle Design: A "round handle" that combines self-standing and balance
The "round handle," which is a key design element, is designed to stand firmly on its own by devising how the core material is inserted.
What we particularly focused on was the size of the joint with the main body.
If it's too large, it looks awkward, and if it's too small, it lacks texture, so we gave precise instructions to the artisans down to the millimeter, pursuing the ideal balance.
3. Form Retention: Selecting core materials and leather to prevent deformation
To maintain a structured and luxurious silhouette, appropriate core materials are inserted into the bottom and sides.
For the leather, we selected a cowhide that is soft yet has moderate firmness, similar to what is used in HushTug's classic "Smart Tote" and other products.
We carefully inserted core materials to prevent the bottom from becoming flimsy, ensuring that it maintains a beautiful, rounded shape and does not lose its form even when items are placed inside.
We tested many patterns of leather hardness and skiving methods, and finally settled on this shape.
Size and Actual Storage Capacity
Here's a look at the size and storage capacity.
It is designed to be the size for "smartly carrying the bare essentials."
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Body size: Width 22cm × Height 16cm × Depth 8cm
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Shoulder strap: Maximum approx. 105cm (roughly equivalent to the HushTug quilted bag)
[What can be stored]
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Compact wallets such as bi-fold or tri-fold
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Smartphone
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Mobile battery (even slightly larger ones are OK)
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Cushion foundation
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Inner pocket (with zipper): small items like keys and lip balm
We designed it to be a smart size that cannot accommodate long wallets.
We recommend using a compact wallet, such as a bi-fold or tri-fold.
This storage capacity is perfect for those who want to compactly and smartly organize a few items.
Planner's Final Rating: "150 Points"!
As the planner (Kuramoto), the completeness of this sample is "150 points."
Kuramoto herself used this bag continuously during the New Year holidays and is convinced that it was "truly easy to use," with no stress in terms of both functionality and size.
We are confident in this product, so we will proceed with final adjustments towards its launch to deliver it to everyone as soon as possible.
▼Related video here▼
Store Information
In addition to our online store, HushTug also has physical stores.
You can purchase new products on the spot, so please feel free to stop by.
*Please note that we only accept cashless payments. Cash payments are not possible.
