Towel Umbrella Concept
I first would like to apologize for not being able to back this design idea with imagery. This idea began conception just earlier this evening, and my proficiency for creating visual support in such time is obviously somewhat lacking. My apologies.
This competition was made into my studio assignment, beginning two Mondays ago. My original ideas were fair, but didn't really address the Cradle to Cradle methodology. But the idea I am submitting to you, I feel is in the ballpark.
Waste = Food. This is what should drive the design. Or rather, the design should personify this thinking. A common problem, especially with the cheaper, more compact, 'convenient' umbrellas is their heightened probability of breakage. (Lemme guess, this is the first time y'all have been told something along those lines...no? Shocking revelation isn't it?) Anyway, while contemplating the notion of a broken umbrella (waste) becoming food, I became perplexed. For the thought crossed my mind, 'Who really wants to hold on to a broken umbrella while standing in the rain? Only because they know that once they get home, they'll be able to use it for something else'. So I thought about the user. I began to consider the, dare I say, typical situation of a person stuck outside with a newly destroyed umbrella. I considered their needs. I considered their desires. And I came to the conclusion: they want to be dry.
So my design idea decision is: Create an umbrella whose cover is essentially a towel. The towel would be cut in the generic cover form, it would then be sealed, possibly vacuum tight, in a waterproof plastic 'bag' that would attach to an everyday compact umbrella framework.
Weight shouldn't be too large of an issue for the use of thin, but highly absorbent towels such as those used in automobile detailing would be sufficient.
The way in which the bag is attached to the frame would be modified slightly so as to allow a relatively quick release procedure by the user. Once the person has reached their dry destination, they can proceed to break open the protective covering, remove the towel, and dry themselves off.
In the end: one broken umbrella, one new towel, and one dry person.
One dry person; without having to search for the nearest bathroom for paper towels or a hand dryer, without having to hate being back in an air conditioned building, without being filled with complete frustration that their umbrella just failed on them when they needed it.
Going over this idea in my head brought forth the consideration of being able to take out and replace the towel at will. Make it not vacuum-sealed, provide a zipper or the like, and allow the cover removal to be reversible. I have yet had the chance to thoroughly consider this approach, so therefore decided to stick to the basics. A use after the initial use is over.
This is my idea to incorporate some essence of Cradle to Cradle. Thank you.
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