Together with Flink the concept and design of this new type of rucksack is being developed. The implementation, production in Asia and delivery to London are organised and supervised by Flink.
[>] love your journey
[>] Rucksack, suitcase and wardrobe - SLICKS 25
[>] Development: concept, product vision, flat sketches
[>] Prototyping: prototyping in Switzerland, fine tuning in Asia
[>] Production: serial production, quality control, shipping
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love your journey
People
who get to work on a bike, not only keep fit, but often get to their
destination quicker than in the car or with public transport.
Chris
Askew also discovered these advantages for himself and has been cycling
to his work place in London city centre on his racing bike for some time
now.
His search for the ideal rucksack for suit, shoes, laptop
and shower utensils was unsuccessful. Therefore, the resourceful
Englishman decided to develop his own rucksack.
London
Switzerland
Mumbai
SLICKS 25 - MORE THAN a backpack
SLICKS 25 is a fully fledged rucksack and also offers enough comfort for long commutes.
The rucksack sits comfortably and safely on your back thanks to the anatomical shoulder straps and the abdominal belt. The structured surface of the thermo-formed back cushion reduces sweat accumulation. Increased safety and optimum visibility in traffic are guaranteed by the integrated, strongly reflective elements (rain cover).
But SLICKS 25 can do other things too...
SLICKS 25 - a case
The shoulder straps and abdominal belt can be stowed behind the back
cushion. Therefore, the transformation from sporty rucksack to sleek
case is quick and uncomplicated.
SLICKS 25 can be carried like a suitcase and therefore also has its
advantages when travelling by train, bus or aeroplane. It therefore also
becomes an adequate companion in the business world.
SLICKS 25 - a wardrobe
The functional equipment and well thought-out allocation of the pockets offer the user maximum possibilities and comfort.
With the removable suit cover your suit and shirt will remain clean and
wrinkle free even after a difficult ride. A large separate pocket is
provided for shoes.
You have quick access to your mobile phone and wallet thanks to a pocket for valuables attached to the outside.
The special construction of the laptop bag protects against impacts and also enables quick access.
development
An extensive use scenario is created and forms the basis for the elaboration of the rucksack concept. Step by step Chris Askew and the developers from Flink are building the functional package together. Apart from ergonomic aspects, the layout and allocation of the pockets are given particular attention.
How sporty can a briefcase be?
How much elegance can the sport rucksack get?
After intensive dealings with the target group, their needs and preferences are crucial in the development of the design.
The following decisions are made in this task step:
– Working out basic proportions
– Attachment of the sections
– Integration of functional features
– Implementation of ergonomic requirements
PROTOTYPING
While at numerous product developers the project is completed with the coherent function and design concept, for Flink the work is just beginning.
Designers and seamstresses assemble the design as a textile prototype.
In doing so details will be checked, optimised and, if necessary,
alternative solutions will be worked out.
That way the designs
achieve a very high degree of maturity regarding producibility and this
with maximum control over the design.
For the further patterning Flink works with a partner company in China.
Because of the good template, the Swiss-made prototype, only
three iterations are necessary, till the pattern corresponds to
all expectations and achieves «Final
Sample» status.
The following steps take place in this phase:
– Checking the construction
– First field tests
– Final selection of materials
Production
In this completion phase, the customer benefits from the rich experience
which Flink has gained in a multitude of projects with production
partners in Asia and Europe.
With the acceptance of the «Final Sample» the order for serial production is given. At the same time, also the quality control procedure is finalized and discussed with the producer.
The production of the SLICKS 25 bag proceeds through more than 120 stages. Via optimum communication with the partners of Flink and a strict project management the rucksacks are able to be delivered according to specification and schedule.
For marketing purposes the first rucksacks are sent to Chris Askew by air freight - the bulk will reach him around two months later by sea.
Flink organises the freight together with a reliable and low cost logistics provider. Flink also takes on the customs clearance of the goods.
Feedback des kunden
Chris Askew, Inhaber und Gründer der Firma SLICKS, Erfinder der Slicks Rucksäcke...