MRS Friends | Redefining Innovation in Sports Equipment with Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology

Guanjian, an outdoor sports enthusiast and head of the Outdoor Equipment Design course at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.

In 2022, Guanjian was deeply intrigued by a photo in a group chat showing a foldable bicycle strapped onto an MRS packraft. That amphibious way of moving on water and land captivated him, prompting him to purchase the MRS Adventure X2 the same year. Over the following year, Guanjian explored the charms of packraft in places like Daxing’anling, South China water towns, and Hainan Island, experiencing firsthand the allure of this activity amidst nature. Simultaneously, he recognized the demand and opportunities in this emerging market from both a player’s and a designer’s perspective.

In September 2023, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology initiated their graduation project applications. With Guanjian’s recommendation, MRS had the privilege to participate in this research project — using the MRS brand as a foundation to integrate packraft sports-related products into graduation designs, initiating a journey to redefine innovation in sports equipment.

We interviewed him and two students by the chance.

• Guanjian
• – Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology
• – Department of Industrial Design Education
• Principal Courses: Design Thinking & Methodology, Design Procedures & Methodology, User Research and Market Survey, Sports Equipment Design.

MRS : During the guidance of the graduation designs, which phase left the deepest impression on you?

The initial user research phase made a profound impression. Both students were first-time participants in packraft sports, conducting extensive observations and interviews among various demographics at Beijing’s Chaobai River, Liangma River, and Houhai. This ensured that the designs’ functionalities and usage aligned with real-world environments and user needs. This process is essential in design and serves as a learning experience for students entering the field.

MRS : As an avid packraft player, what distinguishes the two designs created by the students from existing equipment you’ve used? What are their standout features?

Graduation projects of students major in design should strike a balance between innovation and practicality. Compared to commercially available products, their designs explore more novel directions in functionality while being less constrained by cost and manufacturing processes.

Under this framework, the two products each feature innovative highlights: an adjustable buoyancy inflatable life jacket design with three-stage air chambers, and a backpack design with a foldable tabletop. These innovations directly address user feedback regarding the frequent need to carry multiple life jackets and the desire for onboard storage platforms.

MRS: Outdoor water sports have become increasingly popular in recent years. In your opinion, what is the core of designing water sports equipment? How should students correctly understand the design of outdoor sports equipment?

The core principle is user-centric design, where user needs serve as the driving force behind all design decisions. Outdoor water sports, as a popular form of outdoor activity today, embody social, fitness, and fashion attributes, all reflected in the equipment’s design to meet these demands. Students need to understand that equipment isn’t merely a tool but a tangible embodiment of lifestyle choices, reflecting users’ preferences and habits.

MRS: As an outdoor sports brand, MRS also hopes to actively participate in nurturing original design talent. What other areas do you think the brand could focus on?

I’ve discussed this with MRS’s founder before. As a leading fashion university in China, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology can collaborate with MRS in various forms. The current graduation project collaboration is an open form, allowing the university to utilize corporate resources while the company absorbs creative ideas, with jointly owned intellectual property for feasible designs. Other forms of collaboration could include junior-year practical courses, horizontal research project proposals, and joint establishment of research centers, offering ample opportunities for both depth and breadth in research. We look forward to future collaborations!

• Fan Xiwen
• – Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology
• – School of Apparel Arts and Engineering
• – Major in Industrial Design
• She designed an outdoor waterproof backpack for packrafting.

MRS: How was your entire design and production process? How would you define this sports equipment product?

During the design process, I delved into the needs and pain points of packrafters, discovering their demand for leisure activities and dining while on the water. Therefore, in designing the backpack, I focused on comfort, ergonomic fit, stability, waterproofing, safety, and functionality. I aimed for this product to offer packrafters a new way to enjoy leisurely activities on the water.

MRS: What distinguishes your packrafting backpack from products currently on the market?

Firstly, I noticed that outdoor backpacks on the market are generally generic and rarely tailored specifically for a particular sport like packrafting. Secondly, many packraft players use small tables for dining and entertainment on their boats. Therefore, I designed this backpack specifically for packraft players, combining entertainment and sports scenes. On the packraft, the backpack can unfold into a small tabletop for convenient dining on the water. After disembarking, the packraft can be securely strapped to the bottom of the backpack, facilitating easy transport, while additional items like paddles can be attached to the sides.

MRS: Did this graduation project provide you with new insights into outdoor water sports equipment?

Through my research on outdoor water sports equipment, I discovered fabrics with excellent waterproofing properties and the importance of ergonomic design considerations. For instance, designing a backpack specifically for water use requires using materials that offer outstanding waterproof performance, while ensuring shoulder straps and back pads conform to ergonomic principles, allowing users to move freely on water without hindrance.

• Yin Mingxia
• – Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology
• – School of Apparel Arts and Engineering
• – Major in Industrial Design
• She designed an inflatable adjustable life jacket.

MRS: How was your entire design and production process? How would you define this sports equipment product?

Initially, I conducted a comprehensive understanding of the packrafting market. Subsequently, I analyzed the current trends in packrafting sports, discovering its significant market potential and broad prospects. Through competitive analysis and market exploration, I identified key points for further exploration and development. After a series of research and analysis, I identified target user demands and initiated the new design project for an inflatable adjustable life jacket. This product aims to be portable, easy to store, and innovative, providing a safe and convenient solution for water sports enthusiasts.

MRS: Besides the design itself, did you have any special considerations regarding materials and fabrics?

The material selection for life jackets involves balancing functionality, safety, comfort, and environmental adaptability. Correct material selection not only ensures safety during water activities but also plays a crucial role in emergencies. I chose nylon for its durability and waterproof properties for the outer layer, providing portability. The inflatable life jacket uses high-strength waterproof materials, which can inflate rapidly upon contact with water, providing immediate buoyancy support. Designing such life jackets requires special attention to avoid puncturing or damaging the waterproof layer, which could lead to air leakage and serious consequences.

MRS: Are you satisfied with the final design? What detail of this product do you like the most? Is there anything you would like to improve?

I particularly like how this life jacket’s buoyancy can be adjusted by varying the inflation level. However, there are many areas that need improvement, especially in details such as the design of the inflation valve and buckle. Due to time constraints, many details weren’t fully considered this time, but I hope to further refine the design in future iterations.

END

According to Mr. Guan, using existing sports brands in the market as topics for student graduation projects, rather than lofty, abstract topics, provides students with a clear market environment and references to existing product line design styles. Compared to horizontal corporate research project commissions, it offers greater freedom and room for creativity. It can be considered an ideal form of graduation project, allowing students to learn extensively during the process. For MRS, it hopes to see more possibilities in product development, injecting new energy from young talents, and eagerly anticipates future collaborations. Like Guan’s introduction of himself as “a designer who loves mountain camping, cycling, packrafting, and motorcycles,” he is injecting new vitality into the outdoor sports he loves.