ALITE Designs

Must Love Dogs!

Lauren — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:48:11 +0000

Here at ALITE we’re all a little dog crazy! That’s why we welcome dogs in the office any day of the week. Most days we’re lucky enough to get at least one puppy to pet and some days we’re lucky enough to get several running around. With the big open space downstairs there is plenty of rooms for the puppies to run around all day! There’s even an indoor grassy field for them to rest their paws on. Here’s a look at some of our favorite dogs having the lay of the land!

Rusty is curious about all things in the office, even the camera following him around!

Luna is the cutest little trick dog that oinks like a pig when he's sniffing out your desk.

Rusty has the cutest underbite we've ever seen! We love having him in our ALITE family!

Rusty running about the warehouse - trying to see if he can help with shipping!

Luna and Rusty finally getting along while Cori played fetch with them.

James showing off one of Luna's tennis ball tricks. Luna is definitely a trick dog!

Tae and Cece got along famously all day - she never wanted to leave his cozy desk nook.

Introducing the Spring ‘10 Line

Petrice — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:22:40 +0000

Your wait is almost over; on March 15^th you’ll finally be able to grab some gear from our Spring ’10 line. We’ve worked hard on it, and we’re excited to finally get to share it with you. Let’s take a look:

Sexy Hotness:

Sexy Hotness Sleeping Bag

The Sexy Hotness sleeping bag has strategically located zippers that either allow you to transform it into a body-suit or give you easy access to your partner. Dual-side zippers allow you to zip together as many sleeping bags as you see fit, so you can maximize your outdoor experience.

Dog Products:

Boa Lite Leash

The Boa Lite Leash comes with a handle loop that makes it easy to tether your dog while you run inside to grab a cup of coffee. The stealth poo bag dispensary means that you’ll never be stranded without an easy way to clean up after your pooch and an extra pocket lets you stow your keys or a treat.

Boa Pod

The Boa Pod gives you all the same great functionality of the Boa Lite Leash, while allowing you to attach it to a standard leash or your backpack.

Kung Fu Collar

The Kung Fun Collar is a soft collar with a an extra pocket for a spare poo bag or house key.

T-Shirts:

Yellow Bear . . .

. . . and Plaid Butterfly t-shirts in black and purple.

Packs:

Hikari, Tancho and Ochiba Packs

Our packs are all made out of 420 water-resistant Cordura, have large interior pockets perfect for stowing your laptop or a hydration packet, and have a leather light loop.

Sake Pack

The Sake is a fun hip-pack, perfect for biking or hiking.

The Monarch:

The Monarch Chair

The monarch chair will be available in Blue, Green, Purple, Red and Black.

And we’ll also have a couple more products coming this summer, so stay tuned.

Topic: Getting Schooled

Noelle — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:59:14 +0000

By now you’re way intrigued by the DIR program. You want to apply; you have an amazing idea but you’re thinking, “How can I do this? I don’t even know how to open a program like Illustrator, let alone make cool sketches like Ryan’s. Dangit!” Fear you not. You’re just the novice we’re after. We’re not going to plop you down at a desk and shout, “Now, design stuff, Monkey!” That’s just not cool. A large part of this opportunity is the chance for you to learn, and for us to teach. And a large part of design is using software programs like Adobe Illustrator, so we definitely want to make sure you’re comfy-cozy with it. It’s a super-useful tool for creating patterns for fabrics, technical spec sheets for the manufacturer, and even just drawing. Whatever your project may be, expect a few small side projects from your mentor along the way. In other words: Homework. Youza about to get schooled!

You know how when you say the same word over and over it starts to sound all weird and distorted? Well you may experience a similar phenomenon if you stare at the same project for too long. Like you may begin to over-analyze little details that are actually perfect. So these little side projects are assigned to help you gain a more well-rounded ability to apply the tools of a program like Illustrator without getting burned out over-designing your product. For Ryan, Tae had him redesign iPhone bodies. His mission: Find a bunch of fly kicks and apply their themes to iPhones using Illustrator. Pretty sweet. Cue the visual aids.

Sick stars, Bro!

Turq-razy!

Sheer Plaidness!

These are just a few examples of what Ryan came up with. While not an overly in-depth assignment, Ryan got good practice using the various tools that make Illustrator so rad, as well a stronger understanding of the program as a whole by applying it to something completely unrelated to his jeans. Well rounded application is key.

Wait, did I just say application? I did… As in your D.I.R. application… Have you submitted it yet? The clock is ticking! Git on it!

Come Design With Us

Petrice — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:22:53 +0000

Come design with us:

We offer a Designer in Residency (DIR) program for creative people who are interested in learning about product design and Alite’s user-centric design process, as well as designers. If you’re crafting and designing on the side, this is your opportunity to find a space and audience for your ideas.

Because we don’t require our DIRs to have design backgrounds, we’ll assist you in the initial stages of developing your project and becoming better acquainted with product design fundamentals. Our current DIR has a marketing background.

We’ll provide you with structure, resources and mentorship as well as studio space, a stipend, and financial support for your project. Although there is an openness to the program, we do encourage our DIRs to focus or relate their projects to our mission: getting people outside.

Stipend: $1,500—2,000/month

Duration: Residencies can range from 3 to 6 months.

Who’s Eligible: Applicants can be current students, recent graduates, or established artists.

Applications for 2010 residencies are due March 31, 2010.

Current DIR, Ryan Henbest, practicing some "Extreme Sitting."

Application:

To apply, send your application packet to:

ALITE Designs, Inc.
Designer in Residence Program
2505 Mariposa Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Please include the following:

Background:
Where are you now and why are you interested in product design?

Statement of Purpose:
Explain how the residency program will influence your work, and how you can contribute to ALITE Designs.

Project Description:
Describe the project or projects you would like to work on during your residency. Explain how long you believe your residency should be (3 to 6 months) and why.

Resume/C.V.:
Outline past projects or accomplishments, and where possible give examples of your work.

For questions about the DIR program, please send an email to:

smokey@alitedesigns.com

The ALITE Team

ALITE Designs:

Located in San Francisco, ALITE Designs is a design-driven, urban-outdoor company dedicated to the idea that everyone should be playing outside together. Defined by innovation, bold colors and a sense of humor, we thrive on creating products that make it simple and fun to connect with friends and the outdoors.

To find out more about our company and become better acquainted with our products and aesthetic please browse through the website: www.alitedesigns.com

Topic: It’s all in the details

Noelle — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:18:05 +0000

Ok, so the basic design and features are set. Ryan got really sketch-y, so to speak. And while that’s all fine and good, the time has come for him to translate all those sketches into digital Illustrator spec sheets that will ultimately land in the hand of the manufacturer. The time has come for him to transition from a dude with a idea to a Designer. With the help of seasoned vets Tae and Jamie (one of Tae’s former colleagues), Ryan began to give his concept dimension; detailing specific key features and calling out specific measurements, etc. Although not new to Illustrator, he had yet to ever use the program with such depth.

The point of this Designer In Residence program is not to just come up with a innovative, marketable idea, but to become a Product Designer in every sense of the term. Ryan is now gaining a better understanding of what that actually means. It’s similar to what will make his jeans so awesome – the details… It’s all in the details.

Melissa’s Inspiration

Bag Therapist — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:00:40 +0000

Melissa used her Bag Therapy prototype pack for a good eight months. “I had no idea this small, cute bag could be contributing what was a longstanding pain problem,” she says of her previous imitation Diesel. After meeting with Tae, she learned that the one strap was pulling down and shearing across already weakened muscles and nerves, causing more slouch, more pain, more slouch to avoid more pain…a vicious cycle. Melissa’s since stopped wearing bags that aren’t appropriate for her body type and needs. The new prototype helped her realize she was limiting herself. Despite her reservations about a backpack being too heavy and clunky, the custom pack was sized to her frame and distributed weight evenly. “I can carry sooo much more now, and I notice that I stand and walk much taller. I feel like using this bag has opened me up to experiencing the city ‘on my person.’” Melissa’s bag inspired her to change her whole approach to work and play in the city, from bringing a lunch to work, to riding a bike! Because of her new custom pack, cycling’s become her primary means of transportation. She also indulges in hiking, climbing, yoga…engaging in activities that were previously too painful. And she gets asked, “where’d you get that bag?” as she does them.

Melissa's prototype

what's in there?

a smooshed penny from her first date with her boyfriend at the Bay Model Visitor Center

Melissa's bag introduced her to cycling

cheers, bitches

Melissa's final bag, which she uses now

comfortable, stylish, simple

Topic: Articulating the design

Noelle — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:43:49 +0000

The time has come for Ryan to start drawing pretty pictures! Compiling his ideas, Paul and others’ feedback, and what his potential competition are already doing, Ryan summed up the features his jeans must have. Top of the list is fit. These bad boys must marry function with fashion. The main difference between these jeans and regular denim is that they are meant to work in motion. Hold up your favorite pairs of jeans. What do you see? Two tubes of fabric that hang straight down. Now hold up your cycling shorts. They’re bent to accommodate your position when in the saddle, right? This articulation is in place to reduce resistance and increase comfort while riding. Ryan’s jeans are being designed to act in a similar fashion. Tweaking the seams and adding darts will achieve this. It’s pretty awesome. For once, tweaking is a good thing.

Getting sketch'd

Melissa Wisconsin: Sketch Phase

Bag Therapist — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:00:25 +0000

To address Melissa’s shoulder & neck pain, a backpack would be essential, evenly distributing weight to a natural standing posture. In keeping with Melissa’s trim style preference, I’m inclined to keep it aesthetically basic: military canvas with metal hardware. I also have some heavy denim material that Melissa liked. The pack will have a special pocket in the back where a large grocery tote could be kept. The grocery tote will be lightweight and easily compactable, maybe made out of a tough tent material.

We had her try on several backpacks to figure out fit.

Sketches

Topic: The User

Noelle — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:04:00 +0000

With the product concept determined, Ryan’s next step was to interview people who fall into his targeted user category – the urban cyclist. Friend and fellow city rider, Paul had some great feedback to share. He wears cycling-specific knickers almost exclusively, and for the most part enjoys their functionality. Not having to roll them up – nice. Water & grease repellent – super nice. Overall lack of style – not so nice. So what do Paul and so many guys forced to wear these manpri’s really want?

A full-length pant with the features needed for daily urban assault on 2 wheels, but also with a solid fit & style so they’ll still look damn good after they lock up and head to that party the cute girl from the coffee shop invited them to. And what will this translate to? Isn’t is obvious? A kickass pair of technical, yet well-cut cycling JEANS.

The face of a man forced to ride in manpri's

Hi. I’m Noelle…

Noelle — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:12:14 +0000

Me: Hi. I’m Noelle, and I’m not an alcoholic, rather an Alite-oholic.

You (in unison): Hi Noelle!

Awkward introductions completed, I bet you’re now wondering who I am and why you just said “Hi Noelle” out loud at your desk. (If not, humor me for a minute or two ‘cuz you love Alite.) I’ll keep it brief: Me new Alite blogger.

My sharp wit and a bit of nepotism, er I mean marketing and outdoorsy-ish background, have landed me here to help grow the buzz around our sweet Designer In Residence (DIR) program. So stay tuned… Check back often… APPLY!

Unrelated to Alite: I love eating latkes in pearls.