The Planetwalker
As part of the REI Co-op x FAAS Design Collab curriculum, we were prompted to design apparel & accessory products to support a historical outdoor hero, using today’s technology & innovation. My team chose to outfit John “The Planetwalker” Francis.
REI Co-Op X FAAS Design Collab
John Francis
“How people treat each other is how people treat the environment.”
After witnessing an oil spill in the San Francisco Bay, Francis vowed to stop riding in motorized vehicles. This lasted for 22 years, 17 of which he did while also taking a vow of silence. He eventually wrote oil spill legislation for the United States.
Our challenge was to design product for Francis that accommodated these specific needs while also taking into consideration his interests in music & art.
The opportunities that we strived to address and solve were:
1) Lack of versatility by creating a modular design
2) Lack of utility by creating various storage spaces
3) Lack of communication by incorporating visual messaging
While staying true to John Francis ideals on environmental care & sustainability
We considered a variety of different ways to make our product sustainable to align with John Francis’ environmental beliefs; including the materials & trims, the distribution and manufacturing of our products.
Remora: Reduces Truck Emissions 80%
Sewbot: Reduces Cost to $0.33 Per Shirt
SustainaTex Ocean Graphics: Saves 2.26 Bottles per SQFT
The Muira fold was implemented in our designs as a way to either increase storage space or to compress to become more packable.
Process sketches show the brainstorming of various garments and gear that progresses towards the evolution to a jumpsuit. The ideation and development of the modular pockets, support system, and Muira fold are developed in the later sketches then concludes with the final concept.
Final sketches show long and short sleeve variants of the jumpsuit showcasing the Muira fold storage system. We explored how the various products fit together as one collection and how the different pocketing options are interchangeable on the jumpsuit and the backpack. The down jacket also has a Muria fold option that allows it to be compressed and stored in a pocket. Lastly, the seasonal, trend and core colorways are finalized.
Inspired by John “The Planetwalker” Francis, these products are designed with intentionality and care to love both you and your planet.
The Pick Your Planet Collection
These hero sketches are showing how consumers can experience the product in various settings and environments
The three colorways represent different locations and periods of John Francis' life throughout his walking journey
Our go to market plan includes an app rollout that encourages consumers to unlock rewards by being active outdoors