Project 1 Description
Fabric waste from the fashion and soft good production industries is one of the the leading contributors to our environmental pollution issues we have in today's world. The goal of creating Ascension Flex was to design a backpack the focused on maximizing the longevity of the product through the use of sustainable materials, low-stress forms, and a simplified pattern to help mitigate this post-industrial waste production. This design features a single piece pattern that, once folded and stitched, results in a bag that utilizes 5 yards of fabric as opposed to the average 7 yards that most backpack designs consume.

Project 2 Description
Organizing all of the makeup and skin care products used throughout the day can be difficult especially when paired with a busy, on-the-go lifestyle. Not having a proper place for these products allows for products to easily get damaged. Also, having to move products back and forth from at home storage to on-the-go solutions leaves users constantly reorganizing and potentially misplacing their cosmetics. Radiant Vanity features a solid plastic shell with a customizable, easy to clean, and removable silicone insert. It is also equipped with a lighted mirror to aid in make-up application anywhere and everywhere they may need.

Project 3 Description
In today's world, violent crime is on the rise and the importance of individuals' abilities to protect themselves is becoming more and more evident. In these high stress events victims need to juggle their flight or fight response, contacting police, and/or accessing a self-defense item. People need to know how to defend themselves effectively in any situation and feel confident in these abilities. The Athene Training System provides an at-home self-defense training experience for users, allowing them to learn protection techniques in a comfortable setting. Athene offers a wide array of training programs to prepare users for any dangerous situation.

Bio
Hello, my name is Jason Taft and I am an industrial designer graduating as part of the Cleveland Institute of Art’s class of 2020. What excites me most about industrial design is the aspect of product and user research. I love the process of digging deep into a topic as to understand the true underlying problems that users may be experiencing within their day-to-day lives. As a designer I strive to understand the groups that we design for in a meaningful, connected manner as to make sure that what I create truly aids in the user experience of life.