The design of the backpack, I find very functional for high school aged students particularly extra-curricular activities.

One problems experienced with backpacks is that we can't find what you have there! The section where the laptop is located, an added feature would be a built-in padded laptop sleeve of quality top and bottom to eliminate the extra laptop sleeve required. This would significantly help reduce overall weight and bulk in the bag.

The separate book compartment is also well designed and practical for everyday school use. In addition, the provision for a lunch box is appreciated, as it helps keep items organised and protected. A few smaller pockets for phone, pencil case, purse/wallet would be amazing as well. The shoe/clothes compartment is a standout feature a brilliant addition. 

The consideration for recycled materials to keep the bag sustainable and environmentally friendly whilst being susceptible to everyday wear and tear will be challenging.

Overall if this bag came in a range of colors it would be very well suited to the projected age group and extremely useful.

A multifunctional modular bag that incorporates recycled material is a great idea, this is because it creates the opportunity to use less bags, reduce landfill waste, and extend the lifespan and usages of everyday bags. (Brisbane Council- Benefits of Recycling and Buying Recycled Goods, n.d) (EPA- Recycling Basics and Benefits, 2025)

However a potential issue is the storage of a lunch box, and the strain to the neck and shoulder when the bag is heavy. (Spine Health Foundation- Backpacks and Text-Necks, 2016) To expand on these potential issues lunch boxes tend to be bulky creating strain on the fabric and the zippers used in the bag, thereby reducing the lifespan and the storage potential of the bag. 

A potential solution to this is to add a compartment or a clip buckle underneath the bag so that the strain on the bag is reduced, this will also support with the second issues as it moves the weight towards the back of the person reducing the strain on the user's shoulders and neck.

To address the second potential issue, neck and shoulder pain is often caused when a bag is overpacked and there is an increased rotational force and not by the weight of the bag itself. Based on the design concept on the left, making the shoe/equipment compartment fold back in on the main section will move the weight closer to the user reducing the rotational force experienced by the user and thereby reduce the strain to the user’s shoulders and neck.

Still this idea is great and has the potential to decrease waste, widen the usage range and lifespan of everyday bags, as well as create a more biomechanical stable bag.

- Marcus Elder from CQU ENEG12007 Creative Engineering Class

Good day, Lily. This design is good. Thinks about the future. It is a well-designed product that effectively integrates sustainability with multifunctionality, which is great for people with dynamic daily routines. The use of materials and features follows eco-friendly design rules and what people today want, demonstrating strong alignment with sustainable design principles.

To strengthen the main argument, it is essential to consider the product’s entire lifecycle. While using recycled textiles supports sustainability, research suggests that durability and longevity can have a greater environmental impact. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017) highlights the importance of extending product use. Therefore, ensuring the product is durable, repairable, and adaptable aligns with the main goal.

School bags and gym bags are used a lot. This can cause problems. The parts of the bag where the straps are attached, the seams, and the zippers are the areas that get damaged the most. Studies on product durability have found that these are the parts that usually break first in things made of fabric. (Gwilt,2024). If we make these parts stronger by adding stitches or special panels that can handle the weight, or parts that can be replaced, the bags will last longer, and we will not throw away as many bags.

Additionally, the multifunctional nature of the bag introduces important economic considerations. According to the American Chiropractic Association (2020), if you carry a load on your back, especially if it is not close to your body, it can hurt your back and muscles. So, it is very important to design the inside of the bag in a way that the compartments maintain centre of mass alignment close to the user's back. We should also add padding and straps that can be adjusted to make the bag more comfortable to carry. School bags and gym bags should be designed to reduce strain on the user's muscles. This can be achieved by designing the product with the user's comfort in mind.

The performance of materials is another important thing to consider. When we use recycled textiles, they can be different from new materials in how strong they are, how well they resist wear, and how they handle moisture. This is something that researchers like (Fletcher& Grose,2012). Conducting material testing or comparative analysis that strengthens the design is justification and ensures reliability in daily use 

To ensure the project's future, I recommended to

• Prioritise designed for longevity
• Reinforce high stress components to reduce failure rate
• Validate mechanical performance of recycled material through testing and research 

Elsie Munyorwi

CQU ENEG12007(Creative Engineering unit)

This concept is a good idea that is very useful for a lot of people. By integrating recycled textiles and components from discarded bags, the design supports circular‑economy principles and encourages more responsible consumption habits. This approach not only reduces material waste but also demonstrates how everyday items can be re‑engineered to minimize environmental impact without compromising usability.

One consideration for improvement relates to long‑term durability when recycled fabrics are combined with modular features. Recycled fibers can vary in strength depending on their origin, and repeated reconfiguration of compartments may place additional stress on seams and attachment points (EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform, 2025). Ensuring reinforcement in high‑movement areas would help maintain structural integrity over extended use.

Another potential challenge is ventilation. Bags that transition between academic and athletic environments often carry damp clothing or shoes, which can lead to odor build‑up and material degradation. Without adequate airflow, even high‑quality recycled fabrics may deteriorate faster. Integrating breathable mesh zones or discreet vent panels could help manage moisture while maintaining the clean aesthetic of the design.

Despite these considerations, the concept remains highly compelling. Its focus on sustainability, user adaptability, and thoughtful organization positions it as a meaningful improvement over traditional single‑purpose bags. With careful attention to material performance and airflow management, the design has strong potential to enhance daily routines while contributing to more environmentally conscious product design.

I really like the use of recycled materials and the shoes compartment; it would be great to try reduce landfill waste and I am always in the position where i am needing an extra/different pair of shoes.

Personally, I always require a compartment for food and snacks, I know a bag can only be up to a certain size before becoming a burden, but it would be great to have somewhere to store snacks and food separately from everything else. 

I also find every time I purchase a new bag it is when a zip breaks or fails, I think it would be a great idea to include an alternative sealing method or possibly redesigning the zip itself to reduce the chance of zips breaking and needing to repair or replace the bag.

Overall, it's a good design with many useful features and the potential to reduce waste which I think is very important.

-Nathan Foote, CQU ENEG12007 Creative Engineering