HAMMOCK PILLOW
4.5 weeks
4.5 weeks
LEARNING THE PROBLEM
EXPLORING THE PROBLEM SPACE
For each of my sketch categories, I used
observation, insight, opportunity templates to
derive design implications.
These categories were cooking, staying
dry, seating, avalanche safety, and a
miscellaneous category.
These opportunities led to sketching and
ideation for how to create solutions.
200 SKETCHES
NARROWING DOWN
FINAL IDEAS
While the final four ideas all had merit, the
hammock pillow idea was chosen because of the
underexplored market condition, familiarity with
the product's use case, and an unfilled need within
hammock backpacking.
The concept of an inflatable was also an interesting
product concept with many challenges associated with
it.
PROTOTYPING METHODS
UPS & DOWNS
The first attempt used super glue and ripstop fabric, but the bond
was too rigid and did not hold air.
The second attempt used a hair straightener to melt plastic
coating on nylon fabric. This was effective at holding air.
FINAL
Tied into hammock carabiner to
remove pillow movement
Grippy backing fabric and tapered
pillow to further limit movement
Supports side of head while sleeping in
any position within hammock
SETUP
Inflate pillow by blowing into valves
on all three sections of pillow.
Clip loops into hammock carabiner.
Adjust loop length with guyline tensioners
LOOKING BACK
CHANGES TO MAKE
One large formed pillow instead of 3 compartments
to eliminate two inflate steps and create a better head
support system.
Two loops into carabiner instead of four because the
outside two are unnecessary for pillow stability.