Hannah Ruby

Loum Organizer

timeline

January - February 2023

skills

Prototyping, Soft Goods, Material Exploration

about

Crafted from pine wood and a braided felt ribbon, Loum is a versatile, Scandinavian-style jewelry organizer that can store rings, earrings, hair clips, necklaces and more. It is intended to be wall-mounted next to a mirror for easy access while getting dressed.

Context shot of Loum, edited in Lightroom and Photoshop.

The problem

Most wall-mounted jewelry organizers currently available on the market are flawed - their compartment layouts are restrictive, and they lack the storage capacity to properly display common types of jewelry such as rings and stud-back earrings.

IDEATION

To address the challenge, I rapidly sketched while considering user needs. This process enabled me to quickly explore potential organizer forms, and identify key functions to investigate further through prototyping.

I decided to create a two-part, adjustable system: a flexible fabric 'holder' to store the jewelry, and a solid frame to support the holder. Having developed a specific direction, I finalized the details as follows.

Ideation sketches, both digital and analogue.

Design direction

I determined a target audience, environment, and intended use cycle and organized it into using a 'Who, What, Where, When, Why' framework.

Fabric Selection

Three important criteria were considered while selecting a suitable fabric for the holder: flexibility, which should allow for easy reconfiguration; level of friction, which should grip jewelry securely; and a simple, understated aesthetic that matches the Scandinavian style.

After testing it against cotton and PVC, I selected felt as the material of choice.

Felt Strips

Cotton Edge Trim

Clear PVC Strip

Holder Prototyping

To create an effective soft-goods jewelry holder, I needed a secure storage method.

Drawing inspiration from fabric arts, I researched varied methods, including sewing, braiding, lace-making, weaving, and knitting. Using these techniques, I experimented with various felt forms.

Frame Prototyping

I prototyped several frame designs to test their functionality and aesthetics. This involved creating mock-ups using materials like cardboard, wood, and sturdy wire to explore different shapes, sizes, and attachment styles, ensuring the final design met both visual and functional requirements.