Michel H. Moussatche

Work / Briggs & Riley

@work

Old dogs do learn new tricks

Client
Briggs & Riley
Year
2009
Role
Industrial Designer
@work

In 2008, Briggs & Riley set out to revitalize their @work collection, focusing on critiques regarding its weight, its organization and a silhouette that had stopped keeping up with how people actually carried their work.

@work laptop briefcase

Modernized organizer section

The organizing panel, a standout feature in our collection, was meticulously crafted based on comprehensive customer research into what people carry and how often they reach for it.

A key aspect of this innovation was its modular design, consistent across all styles, which not only streamlined manufacturing but let a customer move between bags without relearning the product.

Organizer panel
Organizer specifications

Molded handle system and hardware design

For this collection, I developed and introduced an innovative molded handle and docking system, revolutionizing how the bag attaches to a rolling case and how it feels in the hand across a long travel day.

Hardware detail
Construction detail
Molded handle
Handle docking system
Trolley docking

Project summary

This was my debut project as a bag designer. I spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of Briggs & Riley's premier business collection — and learned that a heritage brand will move fast when the reasoning is put in front of it clearly.

Team credits

Richard Kruilik (CEO, B&R), Georgene Rada (VP of Design, B&R), Louis Tsai (Industrial Designer, B&R).

Let's connect.

I'm always up for a conversation about design, strategy and what happens where the two meet.