The aim of the collaboration was to design a new product for the NIO Life range of products celebrating the brand’s core values and aspirations: Products that enable a smart, sustainable and joyful life for their users beyond the car.
I began researching Nio’s target market of young couples and young families. I then integrated their core values. I began to see themes of family and adventure. These two aspects of life helped enforce their goal of life beyond the car and became the focus of my ideation and concepts.
After quickly teaching myself how to sew I produced a rough sketch model using canvas and a sewing machine. Once the canvas model was created and the dimensions and functionality seemed to work properly I moved to the final prototype. I was able to order waterproof fabrics, reflective strips, zippers and much more to make it as functional and realistic as possible.
The Nio Trek has the ability to expand in every direction to adapt to any situation. Whether that be commuting in the city, traveling, or hiking outdoors. The expanding features are only visible when you want them, and stay hidden when you don’t. This allows for a clean, elegant commuter back, and a utilitarian adventure bag.This concept was eventually chosen as one of the finalists in the NIO x CSM design competition.
