TRÄGER PACK
concept, video editing, and graphics by Lane Hering and Leah Levy
"Wicked problems persist, and are subject to redefinition and resolution in different ways over time. Wicked Problems are not objectively given, thier formulation depends on the viewpoint of those presenting them. There is no ultimate test of the validity of a solution to a wicked problem. The testing of solutions takes place in some practical context, and the solutions are not easily undone."
How to resolve the refugee crisis worldwide
In approaching a wicked problem, and such a heavy, dauting one for that matter, it was often hard in the beginning for my partner in this project, Lane Hering, and myself to take a step back and remember that this is a hypothetical solution to a wicked problem - A wicked problem that we even narrowed down to a more direct focus group of Syrian refugee mothers and their infant children.
Feeling emotionally connected to a current event made it both difficult but also rewarding.
Research and Ideation began with the dividing of research into current events in Syria on the matter as well as the history of refugees on a global scale. From there ideation stemmed into concepts ranging from packs and clothing to tracking and documentation methods.
Final rounds of ideation and Fusion 360 models led to the design of a pack that mimics the style of traditional trekking backpacks and baby carriers that has a removable back and shoulder straps so that main body that was once a seat for the infant as a carrier can then convert to a cradle, bed for the child.
In the video it is explained that this pack coexists with a government program and web interface of host countries that allows for willing volunteers to
"adopt a pack", allowing a refugee mother to travel from overcrowded camps to a safe home within the host country. The pack is designed for the interim travel time between camp and relocation. Since refugees often flee with very little belongings, The Träger Pack and accompanying program addresses the wicked problems of overcrowding in refugee camps, safe travel for the most vulnerable population of refugees, and the beginning of giving back some of the most basic human rights to these displaced people.
The term "Träger" comes from the German (Germany being one of the most hospitable European countries to syrian refugees in this modern crisis) word for "carrier" - A literal definition for our product as well as a symbolic meaning for the accompanying "adoption" program.
All illustrations portrayed on this page by Leah Levy