Question

Students often travel in long-distance trains and stay at dormitories while going for interviews/exams from one city to another. During their travel and stay, students often struggle to keep their personal toiletries organized and accessible in toilets. Items may get misplaced, mixed up, or remain wet after use.

Design a compact and portable toiletry organizer that helps students carry, store, and dry their hygienic items. It should be secure, easy to maintain, and identifiable as a personal belonging.

Sketch your design showing:
How it looks in open condition for use.
How it looks when packed and ready for carrying.

Evaluation Criteria:
Suitability to meet basic functional requirements of the end user
Attention to detail and explanation of features
Uniqueness of the design solution
Appropriateness of three-dimensional form and visual graphics
Quality of presentation

Hint:

For design aptitude questions: - Clearly show functionality through form, - Use labels to explain features, - Show transformation between open and closed states, - Maintain neatness and proportion in sketches.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding User Needs
The design addresses the needs of students who travel frequently. Key requirements include portability, compactness, hygiene, ease of access, drying of wet items, and personal identification.
Step 2: Open Condition for Use
In the open condition, the organizer unfolds vertically and can be hung using a hook. Multiple compartments are visible, including breathable mesh pockets for drying, elastic loops for holding bottles and tubes, and a detachable clear pouch for frequently used items. A small mirror may be integrated for convenience.
Step 3: Packed Condition for Carrying
When packed, the organizer folds into a compact tri-fold form. A secure buckle or strap closure ensures that items remain in place during travel. A sturdy carrying handle is provided for ease of transport, and a name tag slot allows personal identification.
Step 4: Materials and Maintenance
The organizer is envisioned using water-resistant fabric with mesh sections for ventilation. Smooth surfaces and detachable components make it easy to clean and maintain hygiene.
Step 5: Visual Composition and Presentation
The sketches should clearly show both states with neat pencil lines, proper proportions, and labeled features. Three-dimensional form should be suggested through light shading and line weight variation.