top of page

CARRY GRID


A 2026 Melbourne Design Week carry-themed exhibition piece.


Carry Grid reframes carry as infrastructure rather than an object, placing ALPAKA’s material and hardware ecosystem at the core of how the system performs, adapts, and grows.
 

Research & Discovery


Understand the problem and the target audience. How does the user want to use the product. Analyse competitor benchmarks and trend insights.
 

 My research explores how people organise and interact with everyday carry, and how modular systems can support flexible storage and display. I analysed existing modular structures and storage systems to understand different connection methods and layouts, while also considering trends in modularity and material-driven design to inform the direction of Carry Grid.

 

image.png

Define Requirements


Set goals, objectives, and deliverables. Gather constraints (eg. budget, time, technology)
 

I defined the project requirements around developing a modular structural system that balances refinement with practical fabrication. This included selecting realistic manufacturing approaches for the connector nodes, as well as appropriate materials and finishes, and a mechanical connection that allows for reconfiguration without relying on proprietary systems.
 

Tubes: Bead blasted Stainless steel (16-20mm OD)​

​

Nodes: 6-way bead blasted Stainless steel. Manufactured through CNC billet machining or casting and machining. Machined or taped node threads for fasteners.​

​

Texile Panels: ALPAKA fabrics tensioned or attached using modular strap connectors.

​

Stabilisation: Webbing or tension straps at the rear to improve structural stability.
 

Ideation


Brainstorm ideas and concepts. Sketch or wireframe potential solutions.

 

image.png
image.png


AI render

 

Concept Development


Choose the best ideas to develop further. Refine the concept with feedback from stakeholders.

 

image.png

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Industrial-CNC-Machining-Center-Inner-Diameter_1601650288023.html?spm=a2700.prosearch.normal_offer.d_image.2b8267afkMeDhx&priceId=5172d99b9ee04b4a84d4ce3847f78096

Six-way Tube Node (removed background).png
Six-way Tube Node (Dimensions).png
Six-way Tube Node AI Render.png


AI render

 

Design


Create high-fidelity designs. Develop high-quality prototypes or mockups with high standards. Implement specific materials and finishes. The original vision must remain the same from concept to production

 

Iso2x4.png
nodeSOLOclose.png


Still to design:

Cap ends
Feet (modular to include wheels)
Hook
ModPanel integration
Structural bracing
Webbing brace
Material shelves

Business cards


 

image.png
image.png
image.png
image.png
image.png
image.png
Randomiser.png
image.png
image.png

Review & Feedback


Validate the final form by testing every feature and use case. Present the design for feedback from stakeholders. Iterate and adjust based on input.

 

Finalisation


Finalilse design assets and documentation. Prepare for implementation or production,

 

Testing & Validation


Test design with users or in real-world scenarios. Collect feedback for improvements.

 

bottom of page