Merci

Travel Luggage for Luckyplanet

Merci is designed to combine refined aesthetics with durable functionality. The suitcase features a vertically striped surface that enhances structural rigidity while creating a clean and timeless visual identity. Reinforced metal edge protectors are applied to vulnerable corners. The design emphasizes simplicity and sophistication through a minimal metal logo plate and balanced proportions. The color combinations between the body and zipper create a distinctive yet elegant appearance.

Download Press Kit № 182883

Download Press Kit № 182883 Travel Luggage for Luckyplanet by Hye Kyoung Yoon to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Merci by Hye Kyoung Yoon

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Travel Luggage by Hye Kyoung Yoon

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Hye Kyoung Yoon Merci

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Hye Kyoung Yoon Travel Luggage

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Luckyplanet Design Team Photo

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LuckyplanetBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

MERCI is designed to combine refined aesthetics with durable functionality. The suitcase features a vertically striped surface that enhances structural rigidity while creating a clean and timeless visual identity. Reinforced metal edge protectors are applied to vulnerable corners. The design emphasizes simplicity and sophistication through a minimal metal logo plate and balanced proportions. The color combinations between the body and zipper create a distinctive yet elegant appearance.

Production Technology

Merci is developed through an iterative prototyping process combining digital modeling and hands-on refinement. Initial concepts are explored using CAD software and rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing to test proportion, ergonomics, and structural integrity. Final production emphasizes precision manufacturing with a focus on material efficiency and durability. Depending on the application, components are fabricated using CNC machining and/or injection molding, with attention to surface treatment, assembly logic, and long-term usability. The process prioritizes adaptability, allowing the design to respond to different contexts and scales.

Design Challenge

The main challenge was achieving a balance between simplicity and performance. Reducing the design to a minimal form while ensuring it could effectively absorb external impact required multiple iterations. Avoiding decorative or complex textures made the process more demanding, as the form itself had to carry both function and identity. Color development was also challenging, requiring careful adjustment to achieve harmony without overpowering the simplicity of the design.

Project Duration

The project began in 2023 during travels across Germany, France, and Italy, coinciding with the Red Dot Award and A’ Design Award ceremonies. Initial concepts, including direction and color variations, were defined during this period. Upon returning home, the development phase continued with a focus on form exploration and refinement. The final design was completed after iterative prototyping and evaluation.

Operation Flow

The interaction is intuitive and straightforward. The user approaches the object without instruction, guided by its simple and clear form. Its shape naturally suggests how it should be held or used, reducing hesitation. The structure is designed to absorb external impact, providing a sense of stability and protection. There are no unnecessary textures or visual noise, allowing the user to focus on the experience itself. The object responds quietly and efficiently, emphasizing ease, comfort, and clarity in use.

Research

This project follows a practice-based design research approach. The process began with observational insights gathered during travel, focusing on simplicity, form clarity, and emotional response to objects. Methods included sketching, 3D modeling, and iterative prototyping. Multiple experiments were conducted on body shape and surface treatment, rejecting complex textures in favor of a clean and impact-absorbing structure. Color studies involved testing various combinations; initial trials of orange with muted sky blue were revised to a brighter tone for better balance. The outcome reflects a refined form with considered material and visual decisions, contributing to user clarity and product identity.

Inspiration

The inspiration for MERCI began during a trip to Paris on my way to Italy to attend the A’ Design Award. Walking through Paris, I was deeply impressed by the visual character of the city and its people. Parisian style often appears simple and understated at first glance, yet it carries a distinctive identity with subtle twists in form, color, and proportion.This observation became the foundation of the MERCI luggage design. The clean vertical lines of the body reflect the simplicity and elegance

Image Credits

Photographer (Woongsik Choi), Product Design (Hyekyoung Yoon), Product Image, 2026.

Project Overview

Merci Travel Luggage has been a Silver winner in the Fashion and Travel Accessories Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Hye Kyoung Yoon was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Merci Travel Luggage.

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