Journey Mate: A Sound Explored Backpack

Enriching Travel Experiences with Interactive Sound

Journey Mate, designed by Yihui Liao and Chunmao Wu, is a smart modular backpack that revolutionizes the travel experience. It offers several innovative features that set it apart from other backpacks on the market.

Firstly, the smart module allows travelers to collect sound samples of local languages by interacting with local individuals, creating a pleasant and immersive multi-sensory experience. These sounds are then visualized as waveform diagrams and stored in a personal Urban Sound Library, providing a sense of acquisition and connection to the visited destinations.

Secondly, the modular structure of Journey Mate provides users with a sense of control, making it easy to store and carry throughout the day. The backpack can be transformed into a shoulder bag, offering versatility and adaptability to different travel situations.

In terms of materials, Journey Mate is designed with sustainability in mind. The body of the bag is made from 100% recycled polyester, while leather is used for details such as zippers and buckles, adding a touch of elegance and durability.

Operating Journey Mate is intuitive and seamless. The modular design allows for easy storage and transportation, offering both backpack and shoulder bag options. When users engage in conversations with locals, the smart module automatically captures and stores their voices as samples. These audio recordings are then processed through algorithms and displayed as visual sound waveforms on the backpack's screen. All sound waveforms are collected into the Urban Sound Library and World Footprint Library, allowing users to reminisce about their trip and relive the happy moments through the urban sound library.

The Journey Mate project began in May 2022 in Shanghai and was completed in February 2023. Extensive research was conducted to enhance the user's pleasure perception and meaning experience of fashion multimedia products and fashion behaviors through multi-sensory design. The result is a modular smart backpack that enriches the travel experience and promotes the intelligent and emotional development of fashion design works.

Journey Mate has been recognized for its outstanding design and concept, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Journey Mate's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world have earned it this accolade.

With Journey Mate, travelers can embark on a journey that goes beyond sightseeing. This innovative backpack allows them to become "voice designers" of their own adventures, capturing and visualizing the sounds of different cities while preserving the essence of human culture. It's a true companion for those seeking a unique and immersive travel experience.