Platt Benchmark
Introducing the Platt Benchmark, a bombproof professional tool bag. Make Industries designed the Benchmark line for the Platt Luggage Company. As a family-owned company, they take pride in their Chicago-based offices and the mission is to provide superior customer service, technical innovation and on-time delivery. The Benchmark is a testament to our commitment to quality and functionality.
Client
Platt Luggage, Inc.
Year
2021, released in 2024
Category
"First Order" Tool Storage
Type of Work
Research
Branding
Design
Sewing
Manufacturing
Benchmark is the tool bag line that will redefine the category. This game-changing product was created through a combination of social media research, direct user feedback and close communication, along with a variety of design techniques such as platform design, visual brand language creation, industrial sewing, vacuum molding, CNC routing with a deep understanding of the materials used and the manufacturing process. The result is a tool bag that is both durable and functional, without sacrificing style or overall aesthetics.
@Sparkyninja613, GA
“The best part about the bag is the backpack style. It helps carry the weight and is easy to organize."
social media research
@Mkucharchuk, Ontario
"...the only drawbacks of the bag I have currently is your stuff falls down to the bottom and makes it really hard to retrieve."
@Borickcs, OR
“I recently picked this set up and its a game changer! I like the open top because tools and basic parts are organized, and not as much digging around to find lost items. ”
At this stage, make industries and I took a collaborative approach to industrial design, using social media and user input to create a research process that is fast and efficient. We understand the importance of quick research turnaround and fast feedback, which is why we prioritize gathering data from a diverse range of sources. Our approach here ensured that we create designs that are relevant, effective, and meet the unique needs of our clients.
Bags from potential users, organized in the way they like!
Electrician's bags were the most organized, and plumber's were the least
design goals
1
Efficient and convenient for tool carrying
2
Accessible "First Order" tool organization
3
Clear brand language with visual appeal
understanding our user
After looking into what works, make industries decided to look into materials and brand language. What works, and what doesn't? We came up with three main directions. Each of these mood boards give us a different feel and look for the bags. We brought them to our client and were able to rule out the dry bag board, and then we were left with everyday tool bags, tactical tool bags and traditional tool bags.
further directions
drawn originally by Scott Ternovits, of make industries LLC
After discussing with our partners our ideal directions, we decided on three main brand languages. Grip; which highlights handles and easy places to grab, Access; which focuses on bag accessibility and how it opens, and Facet; targeting the angles and chamfers of the outside of the bag.
product renderings
drawn originally by Scott Ternovits, of make industries LLC
Our color pallet was chosen to be simple enough that it could work for any company/contractor, but the yellow was chosen to make it easy to find dropped parts and small items within the bag, even in bad visibility. The black shows scratches and marks less, so it stays newer looking and offers a professional look for all small companies and independent contractors.
the making process
The making process involved a variety of techniques, including 2D prototyping, industrial sewing with a Juki machine, small sample prototyping, and material experimenting. We also created mock ups and "looks like" models to test the overall aesthetic and functionality of the bag. For the bag bottoms, we used a vacuum molding process to ensure durability, weather-proofing and strength.
sewn projects allowed us to explore "works like" prototypes
the manufacturing process was heavily considered in this section
the 2 1/2 d prototypes allowed for a "looks like" model to be shown to the client
These last two images are final sewn prototypes
Leaning to do straps well, with new clip variations
official product family & marketing images
The tote, the shoulder bag, and the backpack are currently on the market, and there is potential to expand!
A big thank you to Platt Luggage for this wonderful opportunity!
