#up-cycling #productdesign #UX #prototyping #manufacturing 

The Brompton- upcycled backpack 
In 2019, I chased a project with a strong environmental focus and moved to the north of Italy to work for a start-up that repurposes bicycle inner tires into bags and accessories. For a period of 6 months, I worked with Mnmur (pronounced ‘minimour’) to design a backpack that attaches to a Brompton bike frame. At the time, no such product existed on the market, making this quite a design challenge. 

It was about creating a functional, viable, safe product that is compatible with the Brompton bike, which uses a specific carrier system that allows backpacks to sit on the handlebar. Bags for Brompton bikes use this mount for a smooth click-on, click-off. While there are many Brompton-compatible shoulder bags, designing a backpack required rethinking structure, weight distribution, and user comfort. I developed several prototypes to balance the stiffness needed for the mount with the flexibility and ergonomics expected from an everyday backpack.

Working closely with the founders, I tested materials, refined the pattern, and adapted the mounting plate to ensure stability while riding. The final design offered a durable, fully upcycled backpack that could transition seamlessly from cycling to daily use - expanding Mnmur’s product line with something entirely new to their craft. 



























Key challenges 

· researched UX and user needs to design a backpack suited for Brompton riders.
· led the prototyping and manufacturing process, refining the concept into a viable product. 
·  focused on up-cycling, aligning with Mnmur’s sustainable design approach.