Vika

Summary

VIKA, from the Swedish word “to fold”, is a modular laptop sleeve designed for circularity and minimal material waste. Its interlocking square units allow for disassembly, repair, and reassembly. VIKA creates a fun, interactive experience that builds emotional connection and encourages long-term use.

Year

Duration

2024

3 weeks

Role

Individual project

Focus Area

Sustainable Development

Circular Economy

Problem

Many items of clothing and accessories we buy today are not designed with circularity in mind. They often contain mixed materials that are hard to disassemble and are frequently replaced due to size changes or wear, leading to landfill waste and short lifespan.

Opportunity

My Role

The initial research and material analysis were done in a group. I then redesigned the laptop sleeve with a focus on circularity, exploring modularity, disassembly methods, and forms inspired by origami and nature. I created visual boards, explored different folding techniques, and incorporated that into the final prototype.

Process Overview

How might we design a circular laptop sleeve with consideration to its entire lifecycle, from production to end of life?

Background

In the beginning of the project, we were given a laptop bag to dissect and map out its impact on the environment. We began by identifying the materials in the original sleeve and conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The findings showed that the bag consisted of five different materials that were hard to disassemble. 

The five materials found in the original laptop sleeve.

Inspiration & concept development

Sketch over explored shapes

I began sketching different shapes, taking inspiration from grids and patterns found online while exploring ways they could connect with each other.

To address both sustainability and the frequent replacement of laptop sleeves due to changing device sizes or preferences, I began looking at modular fashion items. Inspired by origami and patterns in nature, I explored how forms can transform and connect without the need for fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly.

For the shape, my goal was to develop a form that could interlock securely while evenly distributing the weight of the laptop, with a strong focus on weak points like the corners. I explored geometries known for their structural integrity, such as triangles, heptagons, and other variations. To test their interlocking potential, I created quick paper prototypes to visualise how the shapes would look and function when connected.

Paper prototypes of the chosen shapes
Flower shaped interlock

Prototyping

For prototyping, I transitioned to materials like felt and EVA foam to better assess their behavior, thickness, and flexibility. These tests revealed that the material thickness and interlocking part were crucial to the design. Further testing showed that the square shape (shown to the left) was the most effective, offering both a stable interlock through its corners and better performance under load.

After choosing to continue with the square shape, I explored how each folded unit would take form and how the overall structure would look when assembled. This was part of exploring the aesthetic side of the design and offering the user more freedom and options. I sketched several variations and later tested a few laser-cut pieces.

Heart shaped interlock

The results showed that there was room for creativity and aesthetics within the shape variations. On the other hand, the square’s straight edges reduced material waste and enabled tighter, more efficient tiling, which is why it was chosen for this project.

After connecting multiple pieces, I found the one-way interlock unstable, and the protruding corners were prone to snagging. To solve this, I redesigned the squares with alternating male and female connectors on opposite corners, enabling secure, multi-directional connections. This improved durability and reduced snagging. This solution also resulted in less material waste, as shown in the laser- cutting sheet used.

Testing

The shapes were tested by creating a larger sample and pulling firmly from both sides. The sample withstood pulling, pressure, and bending. During testing, a few of the small connecters snapped and fell out, which was solved by creating a wider base at the square’s corners to allow for a stronger connection.

Final Prototype

The laptop sleeve closes with a tuck-in flap, allowing for easy and intuitive opening and closing.

This project was exhibited at STPLN, Malmö (2024) as part of the exhibition Evig Form.

Designed for flexible, everyday use, the sleeve is intended for users who value longevity and circularity while maintaining a personal touch. The proposed material for the final product is Hexpol Dryflex Green TPE, composed of 60% biobased and 40% synthetic content. Chosen for its flexibility, durability, and recyclability, it supports the project’s circular goals and increases the potential for long-term use and material recovery.

The laptop sleeve is part of a circular system illustrated through three main scenarios:

- The laptop sleeve gets damaged

- The user buys a new laptop

- The user wants to change the style of laptop sleeve