Way Bottle
DATE Fall Semester 2020 / 3rd Year
A survival tumbler with an integrated GPS tracking device to ensure you’ll always find your way.
Mission Statement
To address the problem of hikers getting lost in the wild with an inclusive, UST Gear-branded product that caters to a wide range of people.
The problems with existing survival gear
Common forms of survival gear include survival kits that contain more than what a person would typically need, the items are not user-friendly for inexperienced people, and many people don’t come prepared for their outdoor activity.
The UST brand
UST Gear aims to make the outdoors fun and accessible for everyone of all ranges of experience. To fit their themes of inclusivity, my design aims to target those who are inexperienced with the outdoors.
Research on outdoor activities
According to an informal survey of hikers, less than 50% knew how to read a map and compass (theguardian.com)
People who are underprepared still tend to carry: Food, water, a cellphone, and a pack to carry these items
How to be more prepared: Know how to use survival gear, let others know your plan, keep track of time, and take pictures along the way.
Scenario
For my concept ideation, I focused on items that would be easily remembered, such as cellphones, water bottles, and wearables.
Choosing the Water Bottle
Out of the various concepts I explored, the water bottle seemed to be the most effective solution to the problem because of how essential the item is and the multiple applications it can have. It is used to hydrate, navigate, and can also filter water for daily use or in survival situations.
Branding Through CMF and Form
With this sketch, I explored a potential colorway and form for the bottle that would best fit the UST brand. I designed it to have a friendly aesthetic with bright colors and soft curves.
Way Bottle: An essential water bottle to help you find your way
A water bottle with an integrated GPS tracking device that automatically records location, timestamp, and trail to prevent people from getting lost in the wild. Instead of a separate GPS device, the integration of the tracking system into an essential item — the water bottle— ensures that the user will always come prepared.
Cap screws off of drinking lip.
Drinking lip/filter screws off of bottle.
Recycled cardboard packaging concept
