The "Glider" design umbrella steers away from the traditional "classic design" umbrella, to present an aesthetic design that is both functional and environmentally friendly. The size of the design is smaller than a traditional, portable umbrella (not beach), with the shape allowing water to be directed towards the pointed back, away from the user and over items such as backpacks.

The materials chosen were Banana Ply Paper (BPP)[canopy] and Aluminium ["A-frames" and clips]. The clips of the "A-frames" clip to the edge of the BPP to keep it rigid when in use and allows the canopy to fold to a relatively closed/flat shape. This is achieved by unlocking the handle "A-frame", causing the outer frames to act similarly. ("folding" and "A-frames and clips" images). The BPP veneers (which is laminated using the trees bonding agent as opposed to chemical agents) also become stronger when in contact with water – (similar strengths to that of aluminium).

Design Strategies

- The components of the umbrella are easily disassembled, allowing for recycle or reuse. The aluminium frames could be melted down or reused with another BPP canopy. The BPP can be composted.

- The "Glider" has the ability to fold relatively flat within its "closed state", thus maximising package per unit area during transport.

- The use of BPP reduces water & chemical emissions during harvest & production. The BPP production also utilises banana tree waste products to maximum effect. The Banana Tree is a locally sourced, renewable material, which has a life span of one year (harvesting of the fruit and then left to rot). Utilising the waste material from the trees only results in having water & some pulp as by-products, which are then reused at the plantations.

- Ergonomically, this product may suffer. However, used during light rain for relatively short periods of time, the strength of the umbrella is improved due to the orientation during use (user holding the horizontal "A-frame" handle above their head (as seen in "in use" image). The design strength does not suffer as a result of the minimal & lightweight materials.

- The interesting aesthetic steers away from the traditional "classic design" umbrella. This may entice continued use of the product, because it is a quite strange design. Contrarily, the design could be marketed as a minimal use product, by applying environmental signage/stickers to the design, informing the user of recyclable qualities.

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