Monsoon Field Desk

The Rite in the Rain

No. 297

Rite in the Rain - Field Organization

The Rite In The Rain Monsoon Field Desk rose from the ashes of another project to become one of Rite In The Rain's hit products.

The Monsoon Field Desk was born from a project to create a functional storage and organization product that improved the user’s ability to do office work in the field or on the job site. The initial product concept we focused on was abandoned due to the high costs of manufacturing. However, the idea of a soft case made from welded TPU-coated fabric emerged during development. This concept addressed the user’s need for a durable and weather-resistant clipboard

To be a success, this weatherproof clipboard with zipper storage had to be a valuable and durable product for people who literally need to write in the rain.

Research

Rite in the Rain provided a deep dive into users they wanted to empower with in-depth user research and requirements
Concept Iteration and Design Opportunities

Through sketching and collaborative brainstorms with the client we worked through multiple concepts and potential features. Finding inspiration from products we felt aligned with our goals helped us to focus on design opportunities
Design Development

For this initial product, the design was developed in CAD to best visualize the form, construction, and aesthetic.

The important questions were, “How will you hold it? How well can you write on it, and how do I get access inside? All while holding it in one hand while standing outside in terrible weather.

Another critical consideration was ensuring secure one-handed carrying of the clipboard. After exploring different options, a single strap down the middle proved to be the most functional solution, allowing for a secure grip while writing or using other equipment. Collaboration with our vendor was vital for producing the final product, enabling quick turnaround of high-quality samples for real-world testing. The design was refined to achieve optimal stiffness for the writing surface and the perfect zipper length. The final design featured a zippered case that opened like a book, providing easy access to the protected contents.

The No.297 Monsoon Field Desk

Partnering with vendors who could turn around samples quickly was critical for making refinements to the construction and ensure the durability and reliability of the product.

In collaboration with Rite In The Rain's product developers, we examined trends and conducted market research for the product's color, material, and finish (CMF) options. After visualizing different options using 3-D renderings, we settled on a dark, earthy green (our version of olive drab) as the primary panel color, appealing to both military and outdoor equipment markets. We chose black for the TPU fabric perimeter and zipper areas to enhance the main panels' visibility. Moreover, both colors help to conceal dirt and grime to maintain a clean appearance. The zipper pulls are long, bright yellow nylon cords that are easy to use even when wearing gloves and stand out for fast visibility. The high-quality weather-proof zipper added functionality and aesthetic appeal.