This project started from when I was first hired in October 2023 and is still ongoing as engineering and production for such a large item takes quite some time.
The brief for this project was to refresh our current Pop & Load collapsible laundry basket design for sales on e-commerce and at Costco.
The current Pop & Load laundry basket is a simple, utilitarian design that offers an additional space-saving feature by collapsing flat.
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Our aim was to update the design to be less utilitarian and more of a 'live-in' object, to where it didn't need to be hidden away. Some users keep the laundry basket as a hamper in their room, so how can we make this more appealing?
Form Inspiration
Pattern/Texture Inspiration
Through our own internal data, we identified that patterned/woven plastic laundry & storage baskets were the stronger sellers within plastic bins & storage.
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Ribbed/fluted patterning has become the dominant pattern trend for the 2024 year and will continue into 2025.
3D Form Exploration (Solidworks & Keyshot)
Draft 3D Production Model
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Out of the different forms, the 'curved' rim version was chosen to move forward as it is unique, allowed for pattern application, and factory confirmed that this form would support effortless collapse & expand.
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Ribbed pattern application on upper portion.
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​TPE and PP lower portions will have some color and mold finish for a more unified look.
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TPE feet underneath basket for non-slip grip while in use.
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While not ideal, factory had to keep the flared rim to provide strength & rigidity to allow basket to collapse easily.
3D Sample Images & Rework
(color not final)
To summarize, I am very proud of how this project turned out. Not only was it an industrial design challenge, but it further pushed my limits on design engineering.
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We worked through several months of meetings (both in person and online) with our manufacturing partner to successfully navigate uncharted waters. This was a new venture for their business as they have never constructed a collapsing basket with a curved form and flatter rim style.
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Production expected to start in mid-2025.
After receiving the 3D mockup from the factory, I had determined through additional user testing that the required lip around the rim of the basket was making the basket slightly uncomfortable to hold. I devised a solution to mold additional curved ribs above the handle cutouts to improve comfort while keeping the manufacturing feasible & costs lower.
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Pictured is the 3D print that I added onto the sample for testing purposes, and it worked well without infringing on the aesthetic of the basket!
