Multitasker’s Tool Belt

15 weeks

Spring 2024

Skills:

Drawing

Rapid prototyping

CAD

3D Printing

CNC waterjet cutting

Soft fabrication

Softwares:

Adobe Illustrator

SOLIDWORKS

An adaptable tool belt designed for multitasking.

Inspired by my favorite wearable storage device, my fanny pack, I wanted to take my personal utility storage a step further. I wanted to make a family of objects that, when used together, act as customizable tool belt. From gardening, to woodworking, to camping, to crafting, I wanted this product to do it all.

Made up of linking panels and hook-on attachments, the tool belt adapts to different use cases.

The tool belt consists of two panel types. Webbing panels have slotted nylon webbing to support hook-on attachments.

Cord panels use nylon paracord woven through grommets to hold long, top-heavy objects.

Aglets

Cord-locks

All hardware is designed to work together in a visual system.

Grommeted hooks

Process

I wanted this tool belt to be a “lite” version of a carpenter’s pouch system.

I started by thinking about the overall silhouette of the object as well as what types of interactions and hardware to include.

I based these decision on my own daily activities, as I was designing this tool belt for me. Most of the time I was working in the wood shop, drafting paper and foamcore models, or working on ceramics. I thought first of the tools I almost always need with me; calipers, a pencil, a ruler, a utility knife, my keycard, etc.

I wanted to inject playfulness into the way the components come together. I tried novel silhouettes and fun interactions.