Ronak Vairamohan
Product Designer
portable battery pack for the outdoor
User Research
Industrial Design
Human Machine Interaction
Brand Design
BENTO reimagines battery management for adventurers with a sleek, functional design. Through refined sketches, early cardboard prototypes, and material studies, I developed a folding mat that encapsulates detachable sockets and 1950 kWh LiPo batteries. Featuring embedded solar cells, it ensures power on the go and integrates seamlessly with camping gear for effortless recharging of small devices
Modern battery management systems for outdoor use are often bulky and lack seamless integration with camping and outdoor gear. This compromises portability and fails to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize compact, lightweight, and user-friendly solutions for their adventure
To deepen my understanding of user needs, I mapped the user journey for campers and conducted competitor analysis, blue ocean strategy, and function mapping. These methods helped identify gaps in current product offerings and align with user desires uncovered through surveys. Additionally, I analyzed current trends to ensure the design resonates with user expectations. The following insights emerged from this research process:
- Frequent Device Charging Needs: Campers, hikers, and trekkers require a reliable power source to charge their devices during outdoor activities but lack compact and customizable options
- Incompatibility with Outdoor Gear: Existing battery packs are not designed to integrate seamlessly with the equipment and paraphernalia carried by outdoor backpackers, creating usability challenges
- Design for Outdoor Interactions: User interactions in natural settings demand a system that is intuitive, rugged, and adaptable to various environmental condition
Based on the initial observations, I conducted a detailed survey among avid campers and hikers to identify their key needs and preferences. The findings highlighted the following user requirements:
- Consumers desire for a battery pack that they do not have to drag around like a luggage
- Prior solutions do not give them the ability to customize the use as per their need
- Battery packs needed to last longer to least charge their small devices for week long trip and not run out within two days
I compiled a board of user insights gathered from surveys and initial interviews, which allowed me to synthesize three distinct user personas targeting individuals aged 25 to 35. These personas provided a clear understanding of the diverse needs and preferences of potential users, guiding the design and functionality of the project
She is a dedicated housewife with two children,who loves taking her family on monthly trail adventures
She seeks versatility in a battery pack that enhances her family trek experience
He is a trek tour guide who spends most of his time documenting and connecting people to the nature
He desires a product that seamlessly integrates into his daily trekking lifestyle without being an additional burden to carry
He is a passionate photographer who loves going on nature-driven excursions with friends or family
As an enthusiastic photographer, he desires a solution for charging his numerous gadgets every two days during week-long camping trips with friends to enhance his documenting experience
I compiled a board of user insights gathered from surveys and initial interviews, which allowed me to synthesize three distinct user personas targeting individuals aged 25 to 35. These personas provided a clear understanding of the diverse needs and preferences of potential users, guiding the design and functionality of the Bento project
The mood board inspired filleted edge transitions for the main battery unit, leading to initial sketches centered around a campfire layout. The design featured a central battery unit with detachable sockets arranged around it, stored in a portable carry box that unfolds into a mat to hold the components
Styrofoam and cardboard prototype construction
Battery is connected in the center with flaps that unfold to hold sockets
Users found the form still bulky and tough to carry
Building on insights from version 1, these sketches integrate the battery directly into the mat while exploring various shapes for the detachable sockets. I also refined smaller details, such as handle designs and the placement of solar panels, ensuring efficient charging for smaller devices
MDF and canvas used for base construction of the prototype
Developed a CMF that resonates with the outdoor-tech aesthetics
Adding final accent details on the prototype
Bento takes inspiration from its literal meaning with a mat that unfolds to organize device charging as per need
- Features a minimalist UI with a vibrant yellow trim, symbolizing energy and aligning with Bento’s sleek aesthetic
- The logo incorporates a stylized “B” with triangular elements, representing the placement of sockets on the mat
- Innovative Portability: Designed a foldable mat with an integrated battery core, offering a compact, lightweight solution that can be easily carried like a sleeping bag on a backpack
- Customizable Functionality: Developed modular magnetic socket units that adapt to user needs, enhancing versatility and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts