Merci Travel Luggage

Press Kit

Unique Properties

MERCI is designed to combine refined aesthetics with durable functionality. The suitcase features a vertically striped surface that enhances structural rigidity while creating a clean and timeless visual identity. Reinforced metal edge protectors are applied to vulnerable corners. The design emphasizes simplicity and sophistication through a minimal metal logo plate and balanced proportions. The color combinations between the body and zipper create a distinctive yet elegant appearance.

Dimensions & Packaging

Dimensions vary depending on configuration; the design is developed with modular scalability in mind. Core structure follows a compact and efficient form factor, optimized for ease of handling and storage. Materials are selected for durability and tactile quality, balancing lightweight properties with structural strength. Packaging is designed to be minimal and recyclable, reducing environmental impact while ensuring protection during transport. Technical considerations include stability, ease of assembly, and user interaction, with all elements designed to maintain consistency across different use scenarios.

Production Technology

Merci is developed through an iterative prototyping process combining digital modeling and hands-on refinement. Initial concepts are explored using CAD software and rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing to test proportion, ergonomics, and structural integrity. Final production emphasizes precision manufacturing with a focus on material efficiency and durability. Depending on the application, components are fabricated using CNC machining and/or injection molding, with attention to surface treatment, assembly logic, and long-term usability. The process prioritizes adaptability, allowing the design to respond to different contexts and scales.

Design Challenge

The main challenge was achieving a balance between simplicity and performance. Reducing the design to a minimal form while ensuring it could effectively absorb external impact required multiple iterations. Avoiding decorative or complex textures made the process more demanding, as the form itself had to carry both function and identity. Color development was also challenging, requiring careful adjustment to achieve harmony without overpowering the simplicity of the design.

Project Duration

The project began in 2023 during travels across Germany, France, and Italy, coinciding with the Red Dot Award and A’ Design Award ceremonies. Initial concepts, including direction and color variations, were defined during this period. Upon returning home, the development phase continued with a focus on form exploration and refinement. The final design was completed after iterative prototyping and evaluation.

Operation Flow

The interaction is intuitive and straightforward. The user approaches the object without instruction, guided by its simple and clear form. Its shape naturally suggests how it should be held or used, reducing hesitation. The structure is designed to absorb external impact, providing a sense of stability and protection. There are no unnecessary textures or visual noise, allowing the user to focus on the experience itself. The object responds quietly and efficiently, emphasizing ease, comfort, and clarity in use.

Research

This project follows a practice-based design research approach. The process began with observational insights gathered during travel, focusing on simplicity, form clarity, and emotional response to objects. Methods included sketching, 3D modeling, and iterative prototyping. Multiple experiments were conducted on body shape and surface treatment, rejecting complex textures in favor of a clean and impact-absorbing structure. Color studies involved testing various combinations; initial trials of orange with muted sky blue were revised to a brighter tone for better balance. The outcome reflects a refined form with considered material and visual decisions, contributing to user clarity and product identity.

Inspiration

The inspiration for MERCI began during a trip to Paris on my way to Italy to attend the A’ Design Award. Walking through Paris, I was deeply impressed by the visual character of the city and its people. Parisian style often appears simple and understated at first glance, yet it carries a distinctive identity with subtle twists in form, color, and proportion.This observation became the foundation of the MERCI luggage design. The clean vertical lines of the body reflect the simplicity and elegance

Image Credits

Photographer (Woongsik Choi), Product Design (Hyekyoung Yoon), Product Image, 2026.

Patents

Patented. Design Registration No. 30-1258295. Patent Holder: Hyekyoung Yoon. Jurisdiction: Korea.