Go Umbrella 2
The Go Umbrella was designed as a standard full-sized umbrella. To make the umbrella more marketable in urban environments where space is key, I decided to revisit the form factor. My new goal was to make a compact umbrella that was highly functional in everyday life as well as during a natural disaster.
Project Goal
Take the original Go Umbrella concept but extend the functionality into more day-to-day use features, while also considering how the handle could become more modular and re-usable in the event of a core umbrella failure.
Ideation
I began by sketching possible features that could
be integrated into the umbrella. One of the biggest challenges was minimizing additional materials so the umbrella would remain lightweight and compact.
Initial Sketches
Final Renderings
The modular handle consists of 3 pieces:
The base has threading that allows it to screw onto the shaft of most compact umbrellas sold in convenience stores. Since umbrellas break frequently, this allows the user to just replace a damaged umbrella canopy.
The handle contains a battery pack that allows users to charge their device on the go. The need for power and a way to contact loved ones are many people’s top priorities.
The bottom component features a light, whistle, and hook. The light can be used for navigation or to alert someone of the user’s position during natural disasters, but can also be helpful in darkness. The whistle also alerts rescuers of one's position. Lastly, the hook allows the user to hang their grocery or tote bags on it, so the user can keep a hand free.
