TSA Laptop Briefcase. 2015.

Overview

A felt laptop bag with asymmetrical front flap and large round buttons.
Problem Statement: Design a bag to fit into a current spring collection while maintaining the lines aesthetics and values.
TSA Laptop Pocket:
  • Padded pocket can fit a 17.3” laptop and does not need to be taken out at airports.
Aesthetically Pleasing:
  • Allows users to express their sense of fashion while keeping a professional look.
Removable Strap:
  • Bag can be used as either a shoulder bag or a briefcase.

Sketch Examples

Marker sketches of laptop bag designs including cute totes, vertical messenger bags, briefcases, and backpacks. For briefcases, there are a series of designs for the front flap with different types of buckles, stitching, and asymmetrical patterns. There is also ideation on interior compartments and pockets.

Prototyping

Full size version of bag made of pattern paper and tape. Button placement and seams are drawn onto sketch.
3D paper sketch front.
Full size version of bag made of pattern paper and tape. Measurements are written on bag.
3D paper sketch side.
Fabric bag. Flat foam pieces are being fitted into interior prior to lining being sewn on.
Measuring and testing foam inserts for laptop pocket.
Fabric bag with interior lining and laptop strap.
Fabric prototype interior.

Selected Design: Outer Views

Illustrator image of bag from front, back, top, bottom, and side. Callouts are included to point out the features handle, swivel hooks, removable strap, buttons, luggage strap, laptop pocket zipper, main pocket zipper, and d rings.

Materials and Colorway

Bill of Materials
Item / Desc. Content Placement Supplier Width / Weight / Size Finish Qty
1/16” Felt 100% poyester Outer shell, straps Jo-ann 72” wide Water-resistant 1.5 yards
Plain Weave Cotton 100% cotton Lining, straps, front pockets Jo-ann 43” wide N/A 2 yards
D-rings Nickel Outer: laptop pocket Dritz 1 inch N/A 2
Sport Zipper A Plastic Outer: top laptop pocket Coats and Clark 26“ long N/A 2
Sport Zipper B Plastic Outer: top main pocket Coats and Clark 24“ long N/A 1
Sport Zipper C Plastic Lining: front pocket Coats and Clark 7“ long N/A 1
Swivel Buckle Nickel Outer: strap Dritz 2-3/4” long x 1” wide N/A 2
Buttons 1496 Plastic Outer: front flap La Mode Buttons 1 3/8 inch N/A 4
General Purpose Thread Corespun polyester All stiches N/A 1 3/8 inch N/A N/A
Sew on Velcro Nylon Lining: laptop pocket, laptop strap Jo-ann 2” wide N/A 5” inchs
Magnetic Snaps Nickel, magnet Outer: front flap Dritz 3/4 inch N/A 3
Colorway Summary
Colorway Outer Fabric Lining Fabric Hardware Zippers Top Zipper Front Pocket Velcro Thread
1 Light Grey Powder Blue Silver Light Grey Powder Blue White DTM
2 Dark Grey Hot Pink Black Dark Grey Hot Pink Black DTM

Final Model

Front of bag.
Feminine style.
Back of bag.
Back and luggage strap.
Front flap open. Small zipper pocket and three pen holders are underneath.
Hidden pocket under front flap.
Laptop zipper open. Zipper goes all the way around bag to open flat. Laptop can be seen inside laptop pocket.
Opens flat for airport scanners.