We have already surrendered most of our data to our phones, and it’s time to make good use of that data even without the phone.
When people lose their phones, their feelings of loss and grief are often focused more on the data they lost along with the possession. Not everything can be synced with Google or Apple accounts, and not everyone has the luxury of large cloud backups. These incidents demonstrate how much of our information is stored in our mobile devices and how we’ve become so dependent on them at every turn. We can’t always whip out our phones from our pockets or bags, though, and there might be times when having them always in our hands can be a safety hazard. Sometimes, we need immediate access to information like boarding gates and times, and this design concept argues that a luggage handle is a better tool for that than your smartphone.
Designer: Carlos Bajo
Anyone who has ever traveled long distances would have experienced the problem of not having boarding information handy when and where they need it. Some juggle with paper passes, while others have “upgraded” to storing everything on their smartphones. In both cases, however, people have to use their last remaining free hand because their other hand is already holding their luggage. Even with a smartphone, this situation sounds “old-school” and less than ideal, especially when we have all the technology we need to make it painless.
Oogo is described as a smart hand luggage concept, but in reality, it is the handle alone that really has the brains. It houses a bunch of electronics such as Bluetooth, RFID, and a screen that makes the transfer and display of data effortless. The idea is that you no longer need to even pull out your phone to pass through checkpoints or remind yourself of your boarding details. All you need is to press that button on Oogo’s handle.
The smartphone still plays an important role here, of course. During your travel prep, you input all the usual documents and information you’ll need at the airport or terminal into your smartphone and then share them with Oogo. When it comes time to check-in or board, you can simply tap Oogo’s handle on a designated receptor to share encrypted data like your passport information and even your COVID-19 pass. The fingerprint scanner on the button lets you authenticate your identity, removing the need for an ID check.
Of course, this would only work if there were systems in place for verifying this data, but we might not be that far off considering how everything is connected these days almost to a frightening degree. With many bags already sporting trackers these days, a smart luggage handle could be the next thing. Best of all, Oogo is designed to blend seamlessly with other travel luggage, looking beautiful with its minimalist yet distinctive design. It proves that “hi-tech” doesn’t need to be showy or “in your face” to work its magic, and, in fact, the best magic tricks are the ones that keep their secrets hidden in plain sight.
