UUT - /juːt/
The Pickup Truck of Bags
YEAR:
2025
BRAND / CLIENT:
DOMETIC
ROLE:
LEAD DESIGNER
STATUS:
IN PRODUCTION
Expanding the Recon System
into gear hauling and storage.
Recon is a system. Initially launched as hard coolers, soft coolers, sized to stack and nest with each other.
However, while building the roadmap, me and Christian (the other designer on the project) kept running into the same gap. A trip is not one problem, it is a chain of them. Loading the car at home. Unloading at the site. Carrying the last stretch to the pitch, the beach or the camp. Everything that was not food and drink had nowhere to go.
This was the beginning of the storage and gear branch of Recon.
Brief:
"Create a rugged gear tote range that fits the Recon system."
I set an explicit order for design decisions to
not dilute the product by being part of system:
Make a great tote
Share thinking and design attributes of the system
Nest into the Recon system
A tote that only makes sense as an accessory to a cooler is a bad tote. The product had to hold up on its own before earning its right to lean on the system.
What is the most icon gear hauling product in the world?…
…A Pickup, A UTE, A Bakkie
Known for their great Utility
They allow:
• ”Chuck it in” behaviour
• Organization if you need it
• Durable / Tough
• Good overview
• Ability to fit items larger than the footprint itself
• ”For everyone”
All the right types of behaviors and features for this style of tote.
Let's Make It!
The bunny hooks and daisy chain used for the utility divider didn't work as intended.
It was to hard to change its position.
2nd Sample Round
With Adjustments.
The rounded base looked cool and unique, but it didn't add value, and was very complicated to make.
The divider idea was better in theory, but again very hard to relocate and added to much cost.
3rd Sample Round and Sizing Tests
Design Freeze
MEGA
MEDIUM
2 Sizes
SMALL
EVA Molded Reinforced Base
Dual
Carry
Handles
Nests perfectly in
Recon Hardside Lids
Big opening
for "chuck in behaviour"
Internal and External quick access pockets
