Designing new leather products by utilizing waste material

2006:220

B A C H E L O R T H E S I S

Designing New Leather Productsby Utilizing Waste Material

Louise Persson Malin Rundqvist

Luleå University of Technology

Bachelor thesis Industrial design

Department of Human Work SciencesDivision of Product Design

2006:220 - ISSN: 1402-1773 - ISRN: LTU-CUPP--06/220--SE

Designing new leather products by utilizing waste material

Louise Persson Malin Rundqvist

Luleå University of Technology

Department of Human Work Science Division of Industrial design

August 2006

Preface We would like to thank a number of people for making this project and its results possible. Jan and Inger Sandlund, for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to develop knowledge of a new material. Thank you for a worthwhile cooperation, we really enjoyed this summer and hopefully we did something for you to utilize in the future. Billy Larsson, the saddler, for giving his reflections about the possibilities of manufacturing. Our mentor, Bengt Holmqvist, for being there throughout the project, answering all our questions and advising us in the best possible way. Liselotte Lundqvist, our mentor at examensjobb.nu, for arranging the cooperation with Bölebyn’s Tannery to begin with and last but not least all the people who answered our questionnaires and interviews. Hopefully in the future a new opportunity to cooperate with you, Bölebyn’s Tannery, will occur!

Malin Rundqvist Louise Persson

Abstract In the summer of 2006, this master thesis was performed in cooperation with Bölebyn’s Tannery in Böle outside of Piteå, Sweden. The company gained a large amount of waste material from the production and the main purpose of the project was to develop products for which it would be possible to utilize the waste material. The products were also desired to be sold as company gifts and for this reason the manufacturing had to be inexpensive, possibly performed in Bangladesh. A generic development process was followed throughout the project and the goal was to end up with a number of concept ideas to further develop. In the beginning the range of product possibilities was wide but the usage of different development methods made it possible to eliminate the less suitable. The result was eight final product concepts; bookmark, pocket mirror, serviette ring, lantern, vase, bowl, mug and glass. For the concepts a pattern was developed. Since the products were to be used as company gifts, the symbolic of Norrland was considered highly important and therefore incorporated in the pattern. The yellow moosedung moss, Norrbotten’s provincial moss, inspired the design of the pattern. To express belongingness in a set, named malo, all the products were designed with the pattern and a similar shape. To evaluate the result of the project, most of the products were shown as test products made in leather at the Nolia fair in Piteå 2006 and the visitors of the fair were able to give their reflections. This ultimately led to a few changes of the final products which hopefully will be manufactured and sold in the future.

Dictionary

English Svenska Antler Horn (hjortdjur) Arctic bramble Åkerbär Birch bark Näver Connective Tissue Bindväv Forging Smide Hide (Djur) hud, skinn Laplanders hut Lappkåta Lichens Lav Pituitary gland Hypofys Purveyor to the Royal Swedish Court Kunglig hovleverantör Putrefaction Förruttnelse Saddler Sadelmakare Spruce Gran Tanning Garvning Yellow moosedung moss Gul parasollmossa

Table of contents

1 Introduction 7 1.1 Background 7

1.1.1 Examensjobb.nu 1.1.2 Assigner 1.1.3 Leather and Tanning 1.1.4 Current situation

1.2 Purpose and objective 8 1.3 Assumptions and constraints 8

2 Theory 9 2.1 A generic development process 9 2.2 Benchmarking 9 2.3 Brainstorming 9 2.4 Yellow moosedung moss 9

3 Method 10 3.1 Collecting information 10 3.2 Mission statement 10 3.3 Identifying customer needs 10

3.3.1 Collecting information 3.3.1.1 Questionnaire 3.3.1.2 Interviews

3.3.2 Compilation of surveys 3.3.2.1 Questionnaire 3.3.2.2 Interviews

3.3.3 Weighing of product areas 3.3.3.1 Questionnaire 3.3.3.2 Interviews

3.3.4 Rough elimination of product areas and products 3.4 Elimination of products 11

3.4.1 “Five minutes” brainstorming 3.5 Product specification 12

3.5.1 List of product properties 3.5.2 Benchmarking of related products

3.6 Concept generation 12 3.6.1 Matrix of materials 3.6.2 Brainstorming 3.6.3 Consultation with Bölebyn’s Tannery 3.6.4 Pattern

3.6.4.1 Field studies in the nature 3.6.4.2 Symbols of northern Norrland 3.6.4.3 Wide brainstorming 3.6.4.4 Specific brainstorming

3.6.5 Assembly method 3.7 Concept selection 14

3.7.1 Shape 3.7.2 Pattern 3.7.3 Assembly method

3.8 Concept testing 14 3.8.1 Dimensions, sketches and prototypes

3.8.2 Consultation with Bölebyn’s Tannery and customers 15 3.9 Construction of details and test products 15 3.10 Evaluation 15

3.10.1 The Nolia fair in Piteå 3.10.2 Further development

3.11 Manufacturing 15

4 Results of collected information 16 4.1 Mission statement 16 4.2 Identifying customer needs 16

4.2.1 Product areas 4.2.2 Questionnaire 4.2.3 Interviews 4.2.4 Rough elimination of product areas and products

4.3 Elimination of products 18 4.3.1 “Five minutes brainstorming”

4.4 Product specification 18 4.4.1 Benchmarking of related products

5 Results of concept generation 19 5.1 Brainstorming 19 5.2 Consultation with Bölebyn’s Tannery 19 5.3 Pattern 20

5.3.1 Field study in the nature 5.3.2 Symbols of northern Norrland 5.3.3 Wide brainstorming 5.3.4 Specific brainstorming

5.4 Assembly method 20

6 Final results 21 6.1 Name of product set 21 6.2 Shape 21 6.3 Pattern 21 6.4 Assembly method 21

7 Tests of final results 23 7.1 Dimensions, sketches and prototypes 23 7.2 Consultation with Bölebyn’s Tannery and customers 24 7.3 Construction of details and prototypes 24 7.4 The Nolia fair in Piteå 25

8 Continuation 26 8.1 Further development 26 8.2 Manufacturing 26

9 Discussion 27

References 29

Appendix contents 30

1 Introduction

1.1 Background This master thesis was performed in the summer of 2006 and in cooperation with Bölebyn’s Tannery outside of Piteå, Sweden, see Figure 1. It was applied for through examensjobb.nu where the mentor was Liselotte Lundqvist at Umeå University. The thesis was an independent project of 10 university points to the Master of Science Programme in Ergonomic Design and Production Engineering, concentration towards Industrial design at Luleå University of Technology. The project itself was concentrated towards design and was performed to receive a greater experience in this area and its methods. Academic mentor was Bengt Holmqvist.

1.1.1 Examensjobb.nu This master thesis has been performed within ”Akademiker i företag”- a project whose purpose is to contribute in the development of small and medium sized companies within Västerbotten and Norrbotten. The project “Akademiker i Företag” provides the companies within the region a opportunity to get development projects carried out by students, newly graduated and researchers from universities and colleges throughout the country. Through an extensive visiting activity the companies’ development projects are identified, which are mediated via a computer base on the Internet; examensjobb.nu. Figure 1 Sweden

Financiers is EU’s structural founds, county administrative boards of Västerbotten and Norrbotten

1.1.2 Assigner project was Bölebyn’s Tannery which was founded in the year of 1900 by the

1.1.3 Leather and Tanning become durable against putrefaction and at the same time

he tanning is the process itself where you transform the hide into leather. The threads of the

provide the leather with different properties. (National encyklopedin)

together with participating municipalities and companies.

The assigner for this current owner Jan Sandlund’s grandfather. Bölebyn’s Tannery tans their leather with spruce bark, which is environmentally acceptable, makes the leather strong and easy to shape. This tanning method makes Bölebyn’s Tannery unique in the Northern Europe and their exclusive handicraft products are bought by people all over the world. In 1996 the tannery became purveyor to the Royal Swedish Court. Their product range consists of brief cases, bags, hunting accessories and belts among other things. (Bölebyns garveri)

Leather is hide that has been treated tokeep its natural strength and vigor. Although it can be manufactured out of all kinds of skin, the most common ones are cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Leather is mainly used in the shoe-, ready-made clothing-, furniture- and leather industry and is produced in leather factories called tanneries. The fresh hide is first preserved by salting, drying or cooling to prevent it from putrefaction and is later preserved more permanently by tanning. (National encyklopedin) Tconnective tissue are bind together using chemical bindings. When the leather then dries, the threads do not stick together like they did before the tanning. Different tanning substances

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At Bölebyn’s tannery the tanning is performed according to traditional methods. To tan an ox hide

kes approximately between five and twelve months, depending on its thickness. First the hide is

tury the vegetable tanning method dominated. egetable tanning substances are extracted from certain trees and bushes. The interest for this

er from the production, mainly from ich they do not utilize. The waste leather is soft, of different

bjective Bölebyn’s Tannery the possibility to use the result in

ge. The result would consist of three to five product

of material as possible would be used. Waste aterial would be utilized and manufacturing methods that were more expensive would be

sumptions and constraints terial were to be used, mainly brown hide of aniline), perhaps together with other suitable

any gifts ought to stay under 400 SKr, including sales taxes. To be able to keep that sales rice, the costs of manufacturing had to stay low. One possibility was to ship material to

tawashed in river water for a week and then it is placed in calcium oxide and water for approximately four weeks to make the hair come off. The next step is to trim away redundant flesh and fat, also to carefully shave off the remaining hair and the horny cell layer. When these steps have been performed, the hide is ready for the tanning vats, which contain spruce bark and water. The hides lay in these vats normally for four months and even longer if the hide is thick. After this tanning period the leather is planed by hand, greased and hanged to dry. When it has dried it is soaked again, greased and hanged to dry and stretch. The final step is to polish the leather and to give it lustre. (Sandlund, Jan 2006) The tanning art is ancient and until the 20th cenVmethod was lost during the 20th century, but today it is used more and more because of the fact that it is environmentally acceptable. (National encyklopedin)

1.1.4 Current situation Today the company gains a large amount of waste leathcattles and reindeers, material whcolors and textures. To reach new markets and to widen the product range, Bölebyn’s Tannery has established a contact with a company in Bangladesh. This will convey the possibility to manufacture less expensive products in larger volumes. The decision has been made to work towards design and product development, company gifts and the establishment of a couple of exclusive retailers abroad.

1.2 Purpose and oThe main goal with the project was to give future development of their product ranconcepts. These concepts would be well-made, if possible presented as leather models, and were to be ready for manufacturing. The products would foremost be attractive to a younger market (25-40 years) and also suitable as company gifts. In the manufacturing stage, as small amount mavoided.

1.3 AsBölebyn’s Tannery wished that the existing waste mareindeer RVA (Reindeer leather, vegetable tanned,materials. In the case of other material in the products, the company’s existing contacts should be used. ComppBangladesh and there produce products in volume for low costs.

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2 Theory

2.1 A generic development process The generic development process is a process which includes several steps. The process implies creating a wide set of product concepts and then excluding them one by one and increasing the specification, to end up with the product that fulfils the demands and is the most reliable to produce. (Ulrich, K. T. & Eppinger, S. D. 2003) The steps are decided in the beginning of the project and written down in a product plan, to use as a checklist to make sure all important steps are included. The product planning phase usually ends up with a mission statement which specifies for example the target market and the constraints. When the product planning phase has been carried through the concept development can begin. This phase is the largest one and is where the developer decides main part of the product. It includes identifying customer needs, concept generation, selection, testing, benchmarking, modeling and prototyping. The concept development is then followed by the phases where the details of the product are determined and preparations for manufacturing are carried out. (Ulrich, K. T. & Eppinger, S. D. 2003)

2.2 Benchmarking Benchmarking of competitive products is used in the concept development to see what already exist on the market and how it is manufactured. It is a good method to receive ideas of how to solve a problem or to exclude ideas by finding out that it already has been performed. Benchmarking can be performed in different levels; from the face of the products to a deep level where you veritably disassemble the products to see how they are manufactured and how they function. (Ulrich, K. T. & Eppinger, S. D. 2003)

2.3 Brainstorming Brainstorming is the most common method used in the concept generation phase to generate ideas to further develop into concepts. Using the brainstorming method the problem should be well defined. All judgments and criticisms, positive or negative, are strictly forbidden. The participants ought to release all ideas that form in their heads and wait with the critic until a later phase. The goal is to generate a wide set of ideas to combine and supplement. Quantity is in this stage more important than quality because it increases the chances of finding a few really good ideas. Ideas that are different from the usual are more than welcome; they may after some modification result in an excellent solution to the problem. (Ulrich, K. T. & Eppinger, S. D. 2003) (Hamrin, Å. & Nyberg, M. 1993)

2.4 Yellow moosedung moss The yellow moosedung moss, Splachnum luteum, is Norrbotten’s provincial moss, see Figure 2. It is found in damp to wet environments like swamps and beaches. It grows on organic materials, mainly on dung. The yellow moosedung moss’s pituitary gland is yellow and resembles a parasol. It can be up to 1.5 cm wide and is a part of the capsule of spores. The parasol has two functions; to produce a scent to attract flies and to make the moss easier to spot. When the flies land on the capsule, spores stick on their body and then the flies transport them to the next pile of dung and new moss starts to grow. (Naturhistoriska riksmuseet)

Figure 2 Yellow moosedung moss

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3 Method

3.1 Collecting information In the beginning of the project information was gathered from different sources to gain a better starting point. At Bölebyn’s Tannery fundamental information about the problem was received; the company’s current situation, constrains, how the tanning process works, properties of the material and their existing product range. Pieces from all kinds of leather they use in their production were received together with different ribbons and reindeer antler. See appendix 1 List of materials. Internet, books and magazines were also skimmed through.

3.2 Mission statement Before starting the development project a particular market opportunity, constraints and objectives were specified during the project planning. The information was compiled in a mission statement, which specified the direction of the project. (Ulrich, K. T. & Eppinger, S. D. 2003)

3.3 Identifying customer needs To find product opportunities the customer needs had to be identified, structurally compiled and evaluated for the ability to narrow down the number of products.

3.3.1 Collecting information To get an insight of what kind of gifts the companies could potentially purchase and what the consumers might appreciate as a gift or be interested in buying, questionnaires and interviews were performed. The fundamental information that was collected in the first step of the project was analyzed and five possible main product areas were identified.

3.3.1.1 Questionnaire A brief questionnaire towards the consumers was created to find out their interests in design (color and shape) and within which areas they could possibly buy a designed leather product. The product may also consist of other materials than leather, like glass, forging, wood or stone. They were also able to make their own product suggestions within the area/s they had chosen. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail, handed out at Luleå University of Technology and at the shopping area of Luleå to people of both sexes and different ages. See Appendix 2 Questionnaire.

3.3.1.2 Interviews To get in contact with different companies of different sizes, interviews were conducted by telephone. All the interviews followed a pre-made template so that a structured survey could be performed. The questions dealt with what a reasonable price was for a gift to an employee or a company customer and which product area/s this gift might belong to. They were also able to make their own product suggestions within the area/s in question. See Appendix 3 Template for interviews.

3.3.2 Compilation of surveys

3.3.2.1 Questionnaire The participants were divided into groups depending on sex and age. To get a better overview of the result, their answers were gathered in different tables. The product suggestions were compiled in separate lists.

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3.3.2.2 Interviews The information received through the interviews was gathered in a table to get a better overview of the result. Each company’s product suggestions were also included in the table.

3.3.3 Weighing of product areas

3.3.3.1 Questionnaire During the compilation of the questionnaire, the product areas were given points depending on the level of interest for innovative design the participant had. A structured choice could be made by placing the product areas hierarchically in each table and giving them different points from one to five. First place received five points, second place four points and so on. The primary target group, women and men between 25 and 40 years, was first summarized and thereafter was the secondary target group included.

3.3.3.2 Interviews The product areas were arranged hierarchically by their popularity. In this way the areas which might be the most profitable could easily be identified.

3.3.4 Rough elimination of product areas and products The weighing results of the questionnaire and the interviews were compared to each other and the least popular areas were eliminated. The areas left were further developed by identifying specific product opportunities. Each product was written down on a sticky note and placed on a board sorted by product areas, see Figure 3. The product areas were then divided into subgroups and products without any specific function were eliminated. The next step was to narrow down the number of products even more. Figure 3 Post it board Products…

… which probably would be too big to create out of waste material… … which were too similar to Bölebyn’s Tannery’s existing range… … where the main part had to be from other companies… … which probably would not sell as company gifts… … which already existed in large amounts on the market… … which would not have a strong affiliation to the rest of the products…

… were eliminated.

3.4 Elimination of products The number of products had to be narrowed down before making the specification of each product.

3.4.1 “Five minutes” brainstorming This method was based on the original brainstorming method, but adjustments were made to fit the current situation. Each person brainstormed by oneself around one product for five minutes and then the ideas were discussed together. The same procedure was used for all the products. This process gave an insight of each product and made it possible to see which of them that could be eliminated at this stage.

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3.5 Product specification To receive guidelines for the products, different specifications were formulated.

3.5.1 List of product properties All the necessary properties of the products left after the last elimination were arranged in a list. This was done to control the concept generation and to be used as a checklist during the final concept selection. See Appendix 4 List of properties.

3.5.2 Benchmarking of related products Existing products on the market were identified and analyzed to find out what has already been created and to gain ideas for development of new designs. Design magazines where studied, museums and decoration stores in Luleå were visited. All the relevant products where sketched together with clarifying notes if needed.

3.6 Concept generation As many ideas as possibly were generated and further developed to result in different concepts.

3.6.1 Matrix of materials All possible materials that could be used in combination with the leather for the products were listed in a matrix together with the products. The materials were judged by three criteria:

1 The leather must be combined with at least one of these materials or else the product can not function.

2 The leather could be combined with at least one of these materials, but the product functions without it.

3 The leather should not be combined with these materials. This matrix would be used during the methods of idea generation to make different combinations. It would also help to find new and unusual ways to combine materials with leather. See appendix 5 Matrix of materials.

3.6.2 Brainstorming The brainstorming was performed to produce as many ideas as possible, the quantity was more important than the quality. Each product was deeply analyzed and the ideas were sketched with clarifying notes or written down. By doing it together each person was able to further develop the other person’s ideas, which resulted in even more ideas. The brainstorming session might have led to further elimination of products. The products left were to be further developed and the main ideas were sketched to be used as guidelines for discussion with the company at the part presentation.

3.6.3 Consultation with Bölebyn’s Tannery To make sure that the concept generation was heading in the right direction, a part presentation with the company was needed. This gave the company an insight of the project and an opportunity for them to affect it. It also made it possible to hopefully eliminate concept ideas and products. The different products were presented by sketches which showed their main concept ideas and the company was informed about the demands and the intended materials, except leather, for

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each product. The properties of all the possible materials, listed in the matrix of materials, see Appendix 5 Matrix of materials, were discussed and the reflections about each product’s sale and manufacturing possibilities were given by the company.

3.6.4 Pattern The concepts also consisted of patterns. The right pattern had to be found to give the desired expression and meaning.

3.6.4.1 Field studies in the nature The nature consists of a variety of patterns that are beautiful but not often attract attention. The idea was to possibly use those patterns in the products to make them more connected with the nature and especially with the northern nature. To do this a field study was performed in the woods of Ormberget in Luleå. Different plants were collected and photographed, both in their natural environment and one by one, see Figure 4. Objects that could not be collected because of their size or placement, for example rocks with mosses and lichens growing on them, were photographed to capture the patterns.

Figure 4 Photographs from Ormberget

3.6.4.2 Symbols of northern Norrland To make the products even more connected to the Northern part of Sweden, the internet was explored to find symbols of the province Norrbotten. Each province of Sweden has its own provincial flower, animal, bird and so on. To gain a wider range to work with, symbols of the provinces Västerbotten and Lappland were also looked at. (Länsstyrelsen) See Appendix 6 Symbols. However, people see things in different ways. To get a hint of what, in their mind, symbolizes northern Norrland and to make the products suitable for the right customers, a number of people from different parts of Sweden were unofficially asked to give their opinion on the subject. See Figure 5 and Appendix 6 Symbols.

Figure 5 Laplanders hut

3.6.4.3 Wide brainstorming The next step was to widely brainstorm about what could inspire to an appropriate pattern for the products. The goal with the wide brainstorming was to gain a few inspiration sources to work with. In this stage the photographs from the field study and the symbolic of the provinces of the northern Sweden were reviewed.

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3.6.4.4 Specific brainstorming When the wide brainstorming was done the stage of how the pattern should look began. The inspiration sources from the wide brainstorming were further developed to see what they really look like and how they could be used in the pattern for the products. All the ideas were sketched, then discussed and evaluated.

3.6.5 Assembly method When the pattern had been chosen it had to be decided how to make the leather on each product stay in its place. For example if buttons were to be used, what they would look like and so on. Sketches were made to see what would look and work the best in each situation. Some proposals had already been discussed at the part presentation with the company and these were reviewed and further developed. The company was also used as consultation since they had a better knowledge of what made the leather stay in place and what would be appropriate, too difficult to manufacture or too expensive.

3.7 Concept selection The final concept for each of the eight remaining products was selected, so the products would express belongingness to each other in a product set.

3.7.1 Shape The shape of the leather had to be simple, both to give a clean impression and to be easy to manufacture. The directions for manufacturing given by the company were used as a starting point for the decision of the shape. The same design was used through all the products to gain belongingness to the set, but at the same time each product had something that made it unique. Small adjustments of the shape would be made when it was known exactly what the shapes of the product models would look like.

3.7.2 Pattern A simple and as abstract pattern as possible was desired, to gain a more unique design. One of the three symbolic figures was chosen and further developed to be ready for manufacturing. The company was consulted about the details of the pattern, how it had to be designed to be able to make a cliché, out of magnesium, from it. They also gave their opinions about how the pattern would keep its original shape after assembly.

3.7.3 Assembly method The type of assembly method was adjusted to fit each product’s shape and design. In some of the designs a combination of different assembly methods were used, sometimes it was necessary and other times just for the decoration.

3.8 Concept testing The products were presented with different methods to see what was possible to manufacture and which changes that had to be made.

3.8.1 Dimensions, sketches and prototypes Suitable models for the products that could be used for the prototypes were searched for in stores and then the design for each product could be decided and sketched in detail. Dimensions were determined for those products for which it was possible. The models and the sketches were

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used to create paper templates and leather prototypes out of the earlier received material from Bölebyn’s Tannery.

3.8.2 Consultation with Bölebyn’s Tannery and customers To see if the designed products were relevant for the company’s production and that the project were heading in the right direction a presentation for the company was again necessary. With the help of the sketches and prototypes, Bölebyn’s Tannery was able to show the products to the customers that visited the store. They gave their reflections about the products and were asked to list the three most attractive ones from number one to three. Later on, the result was gathered and evaluated by giving the first place three points, second place two points and third place one point. The primary target group’s result was first summarized and thereafter the secondary target group’s was included.

3.9 Construction of details and test products Bölebyn´s Tannery had to continue with the development of the first test products, because they were the experts who knew how to manufacture in leather and what were possible. To create the products, they first had to arrange all the details for the pattern and the assembly methods. The goal was to have a few test products ready for the Nolia fair in Piteå.

3.10 Evaluation The test products were now able to be evaluated, to see which changes that had to be made before the real manufacturing phase and which products attracted most potential customers.

3.10.1 The Nolia fair in Piteå The Nolia fair is a big consumer fair which takes place every year, alternating each year between Umeå and Piteå. In August this year, 2006, it was held in Piteå. Bölebyn’s Tannery had participated at the fair for many years and would do so even this year. This was seen from both parties as a perfect opportunity to evaluate the test products for the first time and to market the concept. The visitors of the display case were studied, if they looked at the test products, touched them or said any spontaneous comments. Certain visitors were specifically questioned about the products, especially visitors which Bölebyn’s Tannery knew since before.

3.10.2 Further development After the Nolia fair the visitors’ opinions were compiled and evaluated. Together with Bölebyn’s Tannery, the result was discussed and both parties agreed about further development of the final designs.

3.11 Manufacturing At this stage the project was handed over to Bölebyn’s Tannery and the decision was theirs, whether some of the products would be produced. For those products, they had to find suitable final product models. If any small adjustments of the leather design were needed to fit the models, this would be the company’s responsibility. If bigger decisions had to be taken, both parties would be included in the decision taking. The exact manufacturing process would be established by the company and if necessary they would try different methods to find the most appropriate one.

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4 Results of collected information

4.1 Mission statement Mission statement Leather products of waste material Project description Company gifts and products for decoration Key business goals • In ten weeks the company will have a number of complete

concept suggestions ready for manufacturing. • Using the company’s resources. • Minimal additional costs for the time of manufacturing and

other materials. • Innovative design. Primary market • Companies • A younger target group (25-40 years) Secondary market • 15-25 years • 40< years Assumptions and constraints • Waste material • Innovative design • Using the company’s existing resources and contacts

• Sales price of company gifts a maximum of 400 SKr (VAT included)

Stakeholders • Purchasers and users

• Manufacturing departments: - Bölebyn’s Tannery - Bangladesh - Business contacts

• Bölebyn’s Tannery (sales department)

4.2 Identifying customer needs

4.2.1 Product areas The five possible main product areas, which were identified, were: “The set table”, “decoration”, “travel kit”, “storage” and “decoration for the hall”. “The set table”, included products which you could put on the kitchen table for example a glass, a vase, a salt and a pepper cellar. “Decoration” was more aimed towards the living room, like a lamp, a bowl and a magazine rack. “Travel kit”, for example small cases with things you could need on a trip or on a picnic. “Storage” aimed for products which you could keep smaller objects inside and “decoration for the hall” was for example hooks and coat hangers.

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4.2.2 Questionnaire After compilation and calculation of each age and sex group the most popular areas could be distinguished. “Decoration” received the highest score from women and men under the age of 25 years and by men from the age of 25 to 40. Women between the age of 25 and 40 favored “decoration for the hall”, over 40 it were “the set table” and men of the same age range found storage most appealing. The summarizing of the primary target group’s result showed that the “decoration” area received the highest score. When the secondary target groups where included the result was maintained. See Appendix 7 Compilation of questionnaire.

4.2.3 Interviews The interviews with different companies, mainly in Norrbotten, of different sizes, showed that they all kept the same price range for Christmas gifts to the employees, according to the rules of taxes. At anniversaries and even birthdays the price varied among the companies. When it came to “giveaways” to customers and visitors the price was in most cases less than one hundred Swedish crowns. The price depended partly on how important the person was, for example if it was a junior level pupil or a customer. The price of gifts, for example Christmas presents, varied depending on how big the customer was. The most interesting area for gifts to customers was “travel kit” and when the customer was foreign, the symbolic of Norrland was important. To foreign customers, it was also imperative to take possible differences in culture and what different products symbolize, for example a wallet, under consideration. Furthermore it was important to keep in mind that if the customer was traveling, they had to be able to pack the gift easily and that it should not consist of things that were prohibited on a flight. To the employees, products for the home like “the set table” and “decoration” were preferred. See Appendix 8 Compilation of interviews.

4.2.4 Rough elimination of product areas and products The compilation of the interviews with the companies showed that the areas “the set table” and “travel kit” were the most appealing areas for gifts. The private persons gave “decoration” the highest score, which were also highly rated by the companies. The second most popular area among the private persons was “the set table”. For these reasons it was decided that the areas “the set table”, “travel kit” and “decoration” would be further developed. See Appendix 9 Three product areas. After the rough elimination of products, these were the products left to work with: • Mug/cup • Bowl (for decoration) • Wine rack • Teapot • Breadbasket • Pocket mirror • Glass • Platter • Case for glasses • Decanter • Serviette ring • Bookmark • Pitcher • Vase • Case for cutlery • Ladle • Candlestick • Salad servers • Lamp • Bowl (liquid proof) • Magazine rack

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4.3 Elimination of products

4.3.1 “Five minutes brainstorming” The “Five minutes brainstorming” resulted in sketches of each product concept with different designs. See Appendix 10 Five minutes brainstorming. Together, the sketches were then analyzed and more ideas were generated. Products which seamed unfeasible to be made out of waste material, where the leather would take a back seat or which could not successfully be made in leather were eliminated. These products were: • Ladle • Lamp • Salad servers • Magazine rack • Breadbasket • Wine rack • Platter The breadbasket and the bowl for decoration were combined into one product concept, from now on called bowl. Now there were 14 product concepts left to further develop. 4.4 Product specification

4.4.1 Benchmarking of related products The benchmarking showed that the remaining products barely exist in leather on the market. It also confirmed some of the uncertain decisions of elimination to be appropriate. During the concept generation and selection, the result from the benchmarking would be kept in mind and would be used as support together with the sketches. (Form designtidskriften) See Appendix 11 Benchmarking.

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5 Results of concept generation

5.1 Brainstorming The brainstorming resulted in many different ideas and made it possible to eliminate even more products. The case for cutlery was the first to be eliminated because it differed too much from the other products; if a product belongs to a set of products it is more likely that the customer might come back to purchase even more products from this set. Secondly, the pitcher was eliminated, because it was thought not to fit a set that might appeal to the primary target group. The last one was the teapot, where the container of the liquid was too complicated to manufacture in a simple way and with the leather the appearance would be “too much”. The liquid proof bowl and the bowl were combined into one product concept. The new concept was based on idea that the bowl would consist of two parts for versatile usage; the leather part, which could be used on its own as bowl, and a liquid proof part that would fit inside the leather. Now there were ten products left for further development and presentation: • Mug/cup • Bowl • Glass • Lantern • Decanter • Pocket mirror • Vase • Case for glasses • Serviette ring • Bookmark

5.2 Consultation with Bölebyn’s Tannery The part presentation assured that the project was heading in the right direction. All of the products were considered saleable, except for the decanter, by the company. It was thought to be technically difficult to manufacture and less saleable than for example the vase. After the presentation each product’s main concept ideas were discussed regarding manufacturing and it was decided which ideas were to be further developed. The saddler, who is manufacturing the company’s products today, also gave his opinions about how easy or difficult the different concept ideas would be to manufacture. Products with an inclination of the surface in only one direction or no inclination at all, were easier to cover in leather. If the cover had some holes, it was easier to make it well fitted to the product itself, because if necessary it was able to expand a little bit. If the pattern was cut out from the leather the edges should not consist of flaps that might have been able to bend. See Figure 6. If the leather cover consisted of different pieces, which were supposed to be assembled, it had to be obvious how the mounting should be performed.

Figure 6 Positive and negative edge

Bölebyn’s Tannery rather wanted products made out of small, soft leather pieces than larger pieces or hard leather, because waste material of soft leather always would exist. The material considered to be the best to use combined with leather in this first stage was glass, since it was seemed to be the easiest to obtain. However, it would be more convenient if the mug/cup was made out of ceramic.

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From the discussion during the day about the case for glasses, whether people use this product and if it fits the primary target group, it was later on decided not to be further developed in this stage. The eight products and their main concept ideas remaining after the part presentation can be seen together with the ones eliminated in Appendix 12 Main concept ideas.

5.3 Pattern

5.3.1 Field study in the nature The field study resulted in a large number of plants and photographs which gave an opportunity to see what the nature looks like in detail. This also gave a good base for the brainstorming stages. See Figure 7.

5.3.2 Symbols of northern Norrland The symbols of Lappland, Västerbotten and Norrbotten were collected in a table. Asking people what, in their mind, symbolizes Norrbotten common answers were the northern light, rivers, reindeers, snow, mosquitoes and winter coldness, see Figure 8. It was noticed that many of these things had been used often in publicity of Norrbotten and Norrland.

Figure 7 Pattern in the nature

5.3.3 Wide brainstorming After discussing the different symbolic, the wide brainstorming resulted in three areas, namely the northern lights, the arctic bramble and the yellow moosedung moss. The arctic bramble is the provincial flower of Norrbotten and the yellow moosedung moss is the provincial moss. See Figure 9.

Figure 9 Reindeer

Figure 8 Arctic bramble, Northern lights and Yellow moosedung moss

5.3.4 Specific brainstorming The specific brainstorming resulted in detailed sketches of how the pattern of the three symbolic figures from the wide brainstorming could be designed. The sketches were discussed and the ideas were further developed into even more ideas.

5.4 Assembly method During this stage it was decided to use an assembly method that was as simple as possible. Some of the products must be able to be cleaned and therefore the leather had to be possible to be taken off. The assembly method of the leather should also be very discrete to not interfere with the chosen pattern and to give the products a clean design.

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6 Final results

6.1 Name of product set Since the products was supposed to belong to a set, a name was needed for it. Yellow moosedung moss was relevant but seemed too long and its Latin name, Splachnum luteum, seemed too complicated. A short and simple name that was easy to remember was searched for and the final name was a combination of the two first letters from Malin and Louise, malo, see Figure 10. Figure 10 Logotype

6.2 Shape All the products were designed with straight lines, but some of them were given one curved edge to create motion in the shape. The products which had to fit around a product model, for example the glass were shortened in height to gain a margin of error when the leather would be sawn together. See Figure12.

6.3 Pattern After some discussion about the sketches, the decision was made to use the yellow moosedung moss as a pattern on the products, because the northern lights and the arctic bramble felt too common. The size of the whole pattern was adjusted to fit on all the eight products and also designed so it could be used as two separate patterns for flexibility. For the pattern to be punched on the lantern, the longer lines and the curved ones were divided into smaller parts, to prevent the material from bending out. See Figure 11. Figure 11 Pattern

6.4 Assembly method The products consisted of at least one of two assembly methods; seams and yellow-white silk ribbons. Yellow-white was chosen because of the color of the moss’s parasols. See Figure 12.

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Figure 12 From the left: bowl, pocket mirror, bookmark, lantern, mug, glass, serviette ring and vase

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7 Tests of final results

7.1 Dimensions, sketches and prototypes Models for the prototypes were searched for in different stores in Luleå, a glass and a glass lantern was bought but the vases that were found were too expensive. A model that matched the criteria for the mug and the bowl were not found.

Figure 13 Paper template

The pattern of the yellow moosedung moss was sketched with exact measurements so it could be used for the production of the cliché. The outer measures of the pattern were 40 mm in height and 70 mm in breadth, therefore the dimensions of the products had to be determined according to them. Out of paper a glass-, a lantern- and a serviette ring template was created and then prototypes in leather were made of them and also of the bookmarks, see Figure 13, 14 and 15. The products for which the dimensions could not be established, were given general guidelines: the bowl ought to be 100 mm in diameter, the vase ought to be cylindrical and at least double in height as its diameter, the glass and the mug ought to have a similar shape and the lantern ought to be wider at the bottom than at the top. On the lantern the pattern would appear twice and was going to be punched. If the lantern was narrower at the top, the light would be spread more through the holes. The punch tool would also cut out the outer shape of the leather. Each round pipe in the punch tool would cost about 50 SKr and each oblong pipe about 200 SKr. The whole tool would consist of five round ones and twelve oblong ones. If the whole cover should be punched at once, the price would be the double and therefore the cover was divided into two pieces with one pattern on each. The two pieces would then be sawn together.

Figure 14 Templates

The serviette ring was decided to be 50 mm in height on the side where the pattern would be placed and narrow into 30 mm on the other side were it would be tied together with a silk ribbon. The top circumference was decided to be 150 mm. The pocket mirror had to be as smalls as possible in folded state but still be usable, hence the size of 50 mm in height and 80 mm in breadth to fit exactly the pattern and a seam on all sides. In an unfolded state it was 100 mm in height. The bookmarks had to be as thin as possible to fit inside a book. The single one was decided to be 25 by 150 mm and the double one, consisting of two pieces, each of them was decided to be 50 by 50 mm and the silk ribbon that held them together 600 mm long. See Figure 16.

Figure 15 Leather prototypes

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7.2 Consultation with Bölebyn’s Tannery and customers The sketches and prototypes were presented for Bölebyn’s Tannery and evaluated by both parties together. The products appealed to them and they thought that some of the products would be safer than others, to test in the beginning. After the presentation and until the Nolia fair began, Jan Sandlund showed the sketches and the prototypes to customers who came to visit the store. The most appealing products to the primary target group were the mug and the glass. However, with all target groups taken into consideration, the lantern was also included in the top. See Appendix 13 Compilation of the most attractive products.

7.3 Construction of details and prototypes To create the test products, Bölebyn’s Tannery first had to order a cliché from their contact made after the template of the pattern. They bought different product models to use for the test products and silk ribbons. The rest of the materials they already had in their possession. The test products were produced in different sizes, methods, colors and materials. The vase and the glass were produced in two different sizes, the mug, serviette ring and the bookmarks were also produced as test products. See Figure 17.

50

80

10050 30

50

25

150

50

Figure 16 Measures of serviette ring, bookmark and pocket mirror

Figure 17 Test products

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7.4 The Nolia fair in Piteå The different test products were presented in Bölebyn’s Tannery’s display case together with two wall charts of the set, one with the bookmarks and the pocket mirror and the products for the set table displayed on the other, see Figure 18 and 19. It was presumed that no one would know about the pattern, the Yellow moosedung moss, which led to the creation of a small card with information about it. The card was handed out on the fair to visitors that were interested in knowing more about the set. See Appendix 14 Information card.

Figure 18 Wall charts

One of the visitors’ main reflections concerning the products, were if the leather improved the function of the product. For example, a glass covered in leather makes it possible to hold it, containing warm liquid, without burning the hand. Another reflection was if there was an ability to mark the product with a logotype, it would be considered as an advantage to the companies.

Figure 19 Display case at Nolia

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8 Continuation

8.1 Further development Silk ribbon was considered to be used as an assembly method for the serviette ring, the pocket mirror and one of the bookmarks. The assembly method for the vase and the mug was first established to be a combination of a seam and a rosette of silk ribbon. This was regarded to be too many details and therefore the silk ribbon was exchange for a leather ribbon. To make the glass less expensive to manufacture and to give it a cleaner design, the silk ribbon was eliminated. Instead the whole side was sawn together. Many existing mugs on today’s market have no ear. By many people they are considered not to be functional, because the surface of the mug often turns very hot. This gave a perfect opportunity to create a modern mug, without an ear and with a functional leather cover. It would also simplify the manufacturing of the mug. The products for the set table would be created in thicker leather, which made it possible to polish the edges. Hence the products would appear well-made.

8.2 Manufacturing In the first stage the most inexpensive products to manufacture, which also were considered to gain a reasonable price, would be manufactured. To make the manufacturing less expensive the products could be produced in Bangladesh. However, this would not be possible in the nearest future, since the exact products and manufacturing methods first had to be established, before starting up the production in Bangladesh. This process would take some time.

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9 Discussion The first step in the project was to make a detailed project planning and it appeared to be a reasonable distribution of time. Probably because of the short period of time, it was followed precisely and made us work more efficiently. The research phase became partly restricted which may have affected the final choice of products. We could not perform as many interviews as we would have liked with the companies. This since Bölebyn’s Tannery unfortunately did not have enough time to deliver the names of their company contacts to us before we had to be finished with that phase. Of the companies that were contacted, many of the persons responsible for the company gifts were on holiday. Less than 10 % of the people, who received the questionnaire by email, answered. The question is if the result is reliable or if it is too few replies to draw the right conclusions from. When the questionnaire was handed out by hand, many people did not show any interest nor had time to answer. During the researches, it also came to our knowledge that some of the questions may not have been clear and specific enough. The questionnaire might have been incomplete and needed further questions. The suggestions of products were not any fresh ideas of what could be made in leather, probably because the test persons limited their minds to what already exists on the market. It was an advantage to Bölebyn’s Tannery to gain new, fresh ideas by outsiders who were not limited by earlier experience in the area of leather. At the same time too much energy was possibly put into ideas of products that already had been made and tested before. The company knows what usually are attractive as company gifts, but as new inhabitants in Norrbotten we have a good idea of what people think symbolizes the northern part of Norrland. The goal for the project was to end up with three to five final concepts. In the process of time Bölebyn’s Tannery wished for more products to be developed and we considered it reasonable to manage it by putting the products into one set with similar design. If we had had the opportunity to also design the whole product models, the final designs might have looked different. Instead the design had to follow common shapes of the products on the existing market. Three days before the Nolia fair the first test products were manufactured by the company. We got to see them for the first time at the Noila fair and saw that some of the products looked a little bit different from our design. Some of the changes had been made to make the products easier to manufacture and others were just simply misunderstandings. Presenting the products at the fair was a prefect evaluation and publicity opportunity. We were able to see the visitors’ reactions and hear their reflections directly. This made it possible for us to make changes to the design if needed, in time before manufacturing. The products which had not been manufactured as test products did not give us the same opportunity to evaluate them. During the evaluations, it was noticed that the products appealed to many people. However, it is easy to say that you like something, but when it comes to the point of buying it, do they still have the same interest? Every phase of the project could probably have been performed more thoroughly, if we had had more time. For example, the final designs for all the products could have been systematically evaluated if there had been enough time. The question is if more time would have made us work as efficiently as we did and if the result had been any different?

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A close cooperation with Bölebyn’s Tannery and the possibility to reach them at any time, made the project easier to execute. Their desire to create new product opportunities and their belief in us motivated us to do our best.

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References Literature Ulrich, K. T. & Eppinger, S. D. (2003). Product design and development (3rd ed.). Irwin: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. pp. 11-18, 47-48, 104-109. ISBN 007-123273-7 Hamrin, Å. & Nyberg, M. (1993). Produktutformning: huvudkurs i produktutformning. Luleå: Luleå tekniska universitet. pp. 57. Journals Form designtidskriften, 1-6, 2005, 757-762, 101, ISSN 0015-766X Electronic references Bölebyns garveri, läderbutik på Internet (2006) (electronic resource). Bölebyns garveri. Available from: <http://www.bolebynsgarveri.se/ > (2006-06-07) Landskapssymboler (electronic resource). Länsstyrelsen. Available from: <http://www.lst.se/symboler.htm> (2006-06-15) Landskapssymboler (electronic resource). Länsstyrelsen i Norrbottens län. Available from: <http://www.bd.lst.se/fakta/default.aspx?propID=10000879> (2006-06-15) Hedenäs, Lars (2000). Parasollmossor, vackra mossor med ’skitkul’ ekologi (electronic resource). Naturhistoriska riksmuseet. Available from: <http://nrm.museum/kbo/krypt/parasoll/welcome.html.se> (2006-08-02) Ekblom, Jan (n.d). Läder (electronic resource). Nationalencyklopedin. Available from: <http://www.ne.se/jsp/search/article.jsp?i_art_id=246945> (2006-08-15) Ekblom, Jan (n.d). Garvning (electronic resource). Nationalencyklopedin. Available from: <http://www.ne.se/jsp/search/article.jsp?i_art_id=180273> (2006-08-15) Ekblom, Jan (n.d). Garvämne (electronic resource). Nationalencyklopedin. Available from: <http://www.ne.se/jsp/search/article.jsp?i_art_id=180276> (2006-08-15) Unpublished manuscripts Sandlund, Jan (2006). En berättelse om Bölebyns garveri. Manuscript. Böle, Piteå.

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http://www.bolebynsgarveri.se/

http://www.bd.lst.se/fakta/default.aspx?propID=10000879

http://nrm.museum/kbo/krypt/parasoll/welcome.html.se

http://www.ne.se/jsp/search/article.jsp?i_art_id=246945



http://www.bolebynsgarveri.se

http://www.lst.se/symboler.htm

http://www.bd.lst.se/fakta/default.aspx?propID=10000879

http://nrm.museum/kbo/krypt/parasoll/welcome.html.se




Appendix contents Appendix 1 List of materials Appendix 2 Questionnaire Appendix 3 Template for interviews Appendix 4 List of properties Appendix 5 Matrix of materials Appendix 6 Symbols Appendix 7 Compilation of questionnaire Appendix 8 Compilation of interviews Appendix 9 Three product areas Appendix 10 Five minutes brainstorming Appendix 11 Benchmarking Appendix 12 Main concept ideas Appendix 13 Compilation of the most attractive products Appendix 14 Information card

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List of materials Appendix 1 (1/2)

Material Antal Trolltrummeskinn, går att forma vått 1 Barkgarvat näbbsko bottenläder, går att forma vått 2 Barkgarvat hårt läder, går att forma vått 1 Sämskskinn, finns ej som spill, rätt dyrt läder 1 Plymåläder F697 nöthud (möbelläder, mjukgjort=millat) mindre mängd spill, används till kepsar och säljs även för att klä möbler 1 Renmocka RCM 0,6-0,7 mm (kromgarvat, liten mängd spill) 1 Barkgarvat elefantnarv mestadels 2,3-2,5 mm 1 Barkgarvat antikbrun Uppsalanarv mestadels 2,3-2,5 mm 2 Barkgarvat antikbrun blomnarv mestadels 2,3-2,5 mm 1 Barkgarvat blomnarv röd oxblod (bourdeux) mestadels 2,3-2,5 mm 1 F666 2,6 mm 1 Sida F666 nöthud brun 2,3-2,5 mm (vanligare) finns även i mindre mängd spill som remläder 3-3,5 mm 1 Remläder svart 3-3,5 mm 1 Renskinn RVA vegetabilisk garvning Keros, stor mängd spill av kraftigare till ryggsäckar 1-1,2 mm samt mellantjocklek 0,9-1mm, mindre mängd spill av tunnare skinn ca 0,7-0,8 mm 3 rullar Renskinn RVT svart 0,8 mm spill pärmar om det är mjuktgjort heter det RVTS, om det är slätt och lite styvare heter det RVT 1 Renskinn RVASH 0,6-0,8 mm, mjukgjort, ej mycket spill, tennbrod armb 1 Renskinn RVASH 0,8 mm, mjukgjort, ej mycket spill, tennbrod armb 1 Renskinn RVTS rött, mjukgjort, ej mycket spill, tennbrod armb 1 Renskinn polar~1 mm mindre mängd och ovanligare spill, används till ryggsäckar 1 Renskinn polar ~1 mm mindre mängd och ovanligare spill, används till ryggsäckar 1 Bältämne ökensläpad tjurhud, kruponger (ryggbiten/bästa delen på huden) dock med narvskador, handfärgat mörkt antikbrun oftast, ca 20 kruponger (120x140cm) som skulle ge ca 30 bälten/krupong av 30mm bredd 1 Renämne renskär spill = detta var väl det barkgarvade lädret uppe på vinden, benämning = Renskär, det vi skär bort längs framdelen och buken av de barkgarvade sidorna. Dålig kvalitet, förmodligen endast till smågrejer! (skall egentligen kastas bort) 4 Bandkantningsband nöthud ”RVA” brun, blir en hel det bitar, ca 10-40cm 4 Spalt brun Keros 1 mm, mörkbrun, finns en hel del mindre bitar 2 Torrspaltad barkgarvad ovanlig, skall egentligen kastas 1 Barkgarvat natur ”matt narv” 2,7 mm ej så vanlig tjocklek 1 Barkgarvat natur 2,0 mm vanlig tjocklek 1 Barkgarvad natur 1,8-2 mm vanlig tjocklek 1 Barkgarvad natur 2,2 mm vanlig tjocklek 1 Barkgarvat natur frånskär 2 Renskinn M kungasäck ej så mycket spill (söm på den) 1 Lammskinn marina spill hovets ramar, mjukt, tunt (ca 0,8mm) kromgarvat 1 Lammskinn med päls olika färger olika pälslängd, spill från ryggsäcks sitsar 7 Okända tunn mjuka bitar renskinn 2

List of materials Appendix 1 (2/2)

Mellanlägg filt 1 Mellanlägg skum 1 Spill nyckelring 4 Stansade delar till pung 7 Renhorn spets 1 Renhorn mittbit 1 Knappar av renhorn 1 Sverigeband olika bredd 2 Band samiska färger 1 Tygband rött-vitt-svart 1 Tygband rött-grönt 1 Skinnremmar olika färger och tjocklekar 9 Tygsnöre (skosnöre) 1 ”Tandtråd”, att handsy med 1 Tenntråd 1 Koppartråd 1 Lintråd med plaständar, lasktråd/becktråd, naturfärg 1 Svart tråd ”flottig” med plaständar, lasktråd/becktråd svart 1 Nyckelring rentryck Piteå 1 Nyckelring rentryck samisk 1 Glasunderlägg 1 ”Myntblomma”, myntbörs 1 Nyckelfodral 1

Questionnaire Appendix 2 (1/1)

Kundundersökning inom formgivning Vi är 2 studenter vid Luleå Tekniska Universitet som utför ett examensarbete i formgivning för Bölebyns garveri. Vi är tacksamma för dina åsikter vilka kommer att betyda mycket i vårt utvecklingsarbete av nya produkter. Tack på förhand! Vänliga hälsningar Malin och Louise Kvinna (woman) Man (man) Ålder (age): -25 25-40 40+ Hur stort intresse har du för nytänkande design i ditt hem? (färg och form) How big is your interest for innovation design in your home? (color and shape) Inget litet medel mycket väldigt mycket (none) (little) (medium) (much) (very much) Inom vilket/a områden skulle du kunna tänka dig att köpa en designad läder produkt? (Produkten kan delvis bestå av andra material t ex glas, smide, trä eller sten) (Within which area/s could you think of buying a designed leather product? The product could partly consist of other materials e.g. glass, forging, wood or stone) För det dukade bordet (allt du kan tänka dig att duka fram) (For the set table)

Resekit (t ex små etuier med det du behöver för resor, utflykter) (Travel kit)

Inredning/dekoration (föremål du kan hitta i t ex vardagsrummet) (decoration)

Förvaring (t ex förvaring för små föremål i ditt hem) (Storage)

Hallinredning (allt du kan tänka dig ha i hallen) (Decoration for the hall)

Ge några önskemål eller idéer på produkter inom ovan valda områden? (Give some suggestions or ideas of products within the chosen area/s?

Template for interviews Appendix 3 (1/1)

Telefon intervju – Företag (Phone interview- Company) Företagets namn (company name):_______________________________ Antal anställda (number of employees):________ Vad anser ni är ett rimligt pris på företagspresenter (exklusive moms): (What do you think is a reasonably price for company gifts (exclusive VAT) Till anställda (to employees):______________________________ Till kunder (to customers):________________________________ När brukar ni ge bort ett föremål som present? (istället för ex middag, resa) (When do you normally give away an object as a gift? Instead of e.g. a dinner, a trip) Skulle ni kunna tänka er att köpa en designad läderprodukt i present? (produkten kan delvis bestå av andra material t ex glas, smide, trä eller sten) (Could you consider buying a designed leather product as a gift? The product could partly consist of other materials e.g. glass, forging, wood or stone) Inom vilket/a av följande områden? (Within which of following area/s?) • För det dukade bordet (for the set table) • Resekit (travel kit) • Inredning/decoration (decoration) • Förvaring (storage) • Hall inredning (for the hall)

Har du några önskemål eller idéer på produkter (delvis) gjorda i läder inom de områdena? (Do you have any suggestions or ideas of products (partly) made out of leather within those areas?)

List of properties Appendix 4 (1/2)

Mug/cup: • Consist of leather and a material which is liquid proof and are able retain the heat

of the liquid and possibly additional materials • Be able to put it away with the liquid remained inside • Allow a comfortable grip • Able to be washed up without damaging the leather

Teapot:

• Consist of leather and a material which is liquid proof and are able retain the heat of the liquid and possibly additional materials

• Able to pour liquid into • Able to pour liquid out in controlled circumstances • Be able to put it away with the liquid remained inside • Allow a comfortable grip • Able to be washed up without damaging the leather

Glass:

• Consist of leather and a material which is liquid proof and possibly additional materials

• Able to poor liquid into • Be able to put it away with the liquid remained inside • Allow a comfortable grip • Able to be washed up without damaging the leather

Decanter: • Consist of leather and a material which is liquid proof and possibly additional

materials • Able to pour liquid into • Able to pour liquid out in controlled circumstances • Be able to put it away with the liquid remained inside • Allow a comfortable grip • Able to be washed up without damaging the leather

Pitcher:


• Able to pour liquid into • Able to pour liquid out in controlled circumstances • Be able to put it away with the liquid remained inside • Allow a comfortable grip • Able to be washed up without damaging the leather

Bowl (liquid proof):


• Able to be washed up without damaging the leather • Able to contain objects and liquids • Able to stand with the objects and the liquids remained inside

List of properties Appendix 4 (2/2)

Bowl: • Consist of leather and perhaps additional materials • Able to contain objects • Able to stand with the objects remained inside

Serviette ring:

• Consist of leather and perhaps additional materials • Able to hold a serviette

Vase:

• Consist of leather and a material which is water proof and possibly additional materials

• Able to be washed up without damaging the leather • Able to contain objects and liquids • Able to stand with the objects and the liquids remained inside

Candlestick:

• Consist of leather and a material which is fireproof and possibly additional materials

• Able to hold candles • Able to spread the light

Pocket mirror:

• Consist of leather, a mirror and possibly additional materials • Able to protect the mirror • Small enough to fit in a pocket or a purse

Case for glasses:

• Consist of leather and possibly additional materials • Able to contain a pair of glasses • Able to protect a pair of glasses • Easy to access the glasses

Bookmark:

• Consist of leather and possibly additional materials • Thin enough to be put inside a book

Case for cutlery:

• Consist of leather and possibly additional materials • Able contain cutlery and keep them remained inside • Protect the surrounding from the cutlery • Protect the cutlery from dirt • Take as little room as possible

Matrix of materials Appendix 5 (1/1)

Product 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Material Aluminum ? ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Birch bark ? ? ? ? ? □ □ ? □ □ □ □ □ Bone ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Ceramic ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Coconut ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ - □ - □ Cotton □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Fiber glass □ □ □ □ □ □ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Forging ? ? ? ? ? ? □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Glass ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ - - - - Iron ? ■ ? ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Jute □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Linen □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Palm leaf □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Paper ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Pearls □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Plastic ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Reindeer antler □ □ ■ □ □ □ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Rubber ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Silk □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Silver ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Steel ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Stone ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ Wood ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ ■ □ □ □ □ □ 1 Mug/cup 2 Teapot 3 Glass 4 Decanter 5 Pitcher 6 Bowl (liquid proof) 7 Serviette ring 8 Vase 9 Candle stick 10 Pocket mirror 11 Case for glasses 12 Bookmark 13 Case for cutlery

Symbols Appendix 6 (1/1)

Cloudberry Rapids Ice hotel Ice hockey Hiking Northern lights Nature Snow Rivers Winter cold Fishes Arctic Circle Bear Midwinter Wolf Midnight sun Reindeers Giant mosquitoes Dog team Laplander Mountains Laplanders hut Mountain peak with snow Skiing

Compilation of questionnaire Appendix 7 (1/3)

Women under 25 years, number of women: 8 None Little Medium Much Very Sum x0 x1 x2 x3 much x4 The set table 1 2 2 6 1 4 12 Travel kit 1 2 1 4 6 Decoration 1 2 2 6 2 8 16 Storage 1 2 1 3 1 4 9 Decoration for the 1 2 1 3 1 4 9 hall Desires and ideas Lampshade, bowl, tablecloth, pillow, flower pot, storage (boxes, cases), serviette rings, holder for place cards, gift to the guest on the plate, candlesticks, vase, storage boxes, salad bowl Men under 25 years, number of men: 1 None Little Medium Much Very Sum x0 x1 x2 x3 much x4 The set table 1 3 3 Travel kit Decoration 1 3 3 Storage Decoration for the 1 3 3 hall Desires and ideas Candlesticks made out of tin/silver, pannier, table mats with corners out of aluminum Women between 25 and 40 years, number of women: 5 None Little Medium Much Very Sum x0 x1 x2 x3 much x4 The set table 1 2 1 3 1 4 9 Travel kit 1 2 2 Decoration 2 6 1 4 10 Storage 1 3 2 8 11 Decoration for the 1 2 2 6 1 4 12 hall Desires and ideas Table mats, mats, tablecloth, picnic basket, mirror, stool, storage boxes, key storage, serviette ring, place cards, nametags for wine glasses, holder for cutlery, mat for candles, bowl, welcome sign


Men between 25 and 40 years, number of men: 10 None Little Medium Much Very Sum x0 x1 x2 x3 much x4 The set table 2 4p 1 4p 8p Travel kit 3 6p 1 3p 9p Decoration 2 4p 1 3p 1 4p 11p Storage 2 4p 1 3p 7p Decoration for the 1 2p 1 3p 5p hall Desires and ideas Mats, cutlery, salad servers, object of art, storage for gloves and caps, shoe storage with large pockets for all shoes, holder for cutlery, hip flask, holder for snuffbox, potholders, toilet bag, computer bag, serviette ring Women over 40 years, number of women: 6

None Little Medium Much Very Sum x0 x1 x2 x3 much x4 The set table 1 2p 4 12p 14p Travel kit 1 2p 2 6p 8p Decoration 2 4p 3 9p 13p Storage 1 2p 1 3p 5p Decoration for the 1 2p 1 3p 5p hall Desires and ideas Table mats x2, serviette ring x2, toilet bag, bowl, practical objects for decoration, objects for the wall e.g. pictures, lamp, object hanged from the roof e.g. soaring bird, magazine rack, large exquisite bowl/platter with liquid proof inner side and a bread basket, bookmark (simple/luxurious) Men over 40 years, number of men: 3 None Little Medium Much Very Sum x0 x1 x2 x3 much x4 The set table 1 3p 3p Travel kit 1 3p 1 4p 7p Decoration 1 3p 1 4p 7p Storage 2 6p 1 4p 10p Decoration for the 1 3p 3p hall Desires and ideas Toilet bag, case for toothbrush, case for comb, bowls with lid (storage), lampshade


Weighing of product areas Women 25-40 years Men 25-40 years Sum Product area Place Points Place Points points 1 The set table 4 2 3 3 5 2 Travel kit 5 1 2 4 5 3 Decoration 3 3 1 5 8 4 Storage 2 4 4 2 6 5 Decoration for the hall 1 5 5 1 6 Product Place area W <25 M <25 W 25-40 M 25-40 W >40 M >40 1 2 1 4 3 1 4 2 5 - 5 2 3 2 3 1 1 3 1 2 2 4 3 - 2 4 4 1 5 3 1 1 5 4 4 Product Points Sum area W <25 M <25 W 25-40 M 25-40 W >40 M >40 points 1 4 5 2 3 5 2 21 2 1 0 1 4 3 4 13 3 5 5 3 5 4 4 26 4 3 0 4 2 2 5 16 5 3 5 5 1 2 2 18

Compilation of interviews Appendix 8 (1/1)

Product area The set table 1 Travel kit 2 Decoration 3 Storage 4 Decoration for the hall 5

Three product areas Appendix 9 (1/1)

The set table Travel kit Decoration Pitcher Hip flask Vase Decanter Thermos Pot Teapot Pannier Holder for candles Mug/Cup Picnic basket Mat for candles Glass Case for cutlery Dish Salad servers Bowl Ladle Case for glasses Egg cup Case for pens Frame Platter Case for toothbrush Mirror Gratin dish Case for comb Picture Breadbasket Computer bag View protection Bowl Holder for snuffbox Lamp CD case Serviette holder Bookend Toothpick holder Vanity box Magazine rack Salt- and pepper cellar Pill bag CD-rack Cooking oil and wine vinegar Medicine bag Wine rack Opener (cork & bottle) Toilet bag Holder for remote control ”Travel wallet” Wine cooler (money, passport, ticket) Cushion Glass mat Chair cushion Table mat Nail care kit Table cloth Pot mat Foot care kit Egg warmer First aid kit End knob (curtain rail) Potholder Sewing case Knob (drawer/cupboard) Shoe care bag Hook Place cards Nametag for wineglasses Bookmark Holder for candles Coat hanger Serviette ring Travel game Vase Pocket mirror Holder for kitchen paper

Five minutes brainstorming Appendix 10 (1/13)













Benchmarking Appendix 11 (1/4)




Main concept ideas Appendix 12 (1/10)










Compilation of the most attractive products Appendix 13 (1/2)

Men under 25 years, number of men: 1 Place Man 1 1 Serviette ring 2 Glass 3 Vase Women under 25 years, number of women: 2 Place Woman 1 Woman 2 1 Vase Lantern 2 Lantern Mug 3 Glass Glass Men between 25 to 40 years, number of men: 2 Place Man 1 Man 2 1 Mug Glass 2 Glass Lantern 3 Serviette ring Mug Women between 25 to 40 years, number of women: 5 Place Woman 1 Woman 2 Woman 3 Woman 4 Woman 5 1 Glass (large) Glass Vase Mug Glass 2 Bowl Mug Bowl Glass Mug 3 Lantern Lantern Serviette ring Bowl Pocket mirror Men over 40 years, number of men: 2 Place Man 1 Man 2 1 Lantern Mug 2 Serviette ring Glass 3 - Serviette ring Women over 40 years, number of women: 6 Place Woman 1 Woman 2 Woman 3 Woman 4 Woman 5 Woman 6 1 Lantern Mug Serv. ring Glass Glass Glass 2 Glass (large) Glass Lantern Serv. ring Lantern Bowl 3 Mug Bookmark Glass Bowl Bowl Lantern 4 Serv. ring

Compilation of the most attractive products Appendix 13 (2/2)

Compilation of men and women between 25 and 40 years Product\Place 1 (x4) 2 (x3) 3 (x2) 4 (x1) Sum Glass 4 2 22 Mug 2 2 1 16 Bowl 2 1 8 Vase 1 4 Lantern 1 2 7 Serviette ring 2 4 Bookmark 0 Pocket mirror 1 2 Total compilation Product\Place 1 (x4) 2 (x3) 3 (x2) 4 (x1) Sum Glass 7 6 3 52 Mug 4 3 2 29 Bowl 3 3 15 Vase 2 1 10 Lantern 3 4 3 30 Serviette ring 2 2 3 1 21 Bookmark 1 2 Pocket mirror 1 2

Information card Appendix 14 (1/1) Information card Appendix 14 (1/1)

Documents

Designing new leather products by utilizing waste material