U-GO Bag Developer Interview
What is a universal design bag?
"Easy to use for everyone, not just for someone special."
The developer, who has been involved in supporting people with physical disabilities for nearly 20 years, rose to the challenge of resolving the "inconvenience of existing bags" that he felt in the field. We spoke in detail about the origins of the universal design bag, which was born from the "fusion (U-GO)" of the thoughts of all involved: users, designers, and manufacturing plants.
Writer Hinako-san: Hello. Today, I'd like to ask you some questions about the universal design bags handled by U-GO. Thank you in advance.
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Thank you.
Writer Hinako-san: For me, it's not a very familiar term, but what exactly does universal design mean?
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Right, let me start by explaining that. In a nutshell, universal design means "design that is easy for anyone to use, regardless of age, gender, or physical condition." For more details on universal design, please refer to the article "What is Universal Design."
Writer Hinako-san: I see. Thank you. So, because it's made with that concept in mind, it's called a "universal design bag."
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Exactly. Our product, the universal design bag "U-GO basic," was completed after gathering opinions from people with physical disabilities before development, and then collaborating with designers and manufacturing plants based on those opinions. The name "U-GO" also comes from the desire to "fuse" the opinions of various people, companies, and users to develop products.
Writer Hinako-san: So that's the background. Indeed, when I actually used it, I was surprised by how light it was. And being able to open it with one touch is truly convenient. This way, even people with limited hand mobility can easily take out their wallet or notebook.
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Yes, that was our top priority when creating it. I myself have been involved in supporting people with physical disabilities for about 18 years, and I've seen many people who felt inconvenience with existing bags.
Writer Hinako-san: So, it was thanks to your experience through such initiatives that you were able to develop the universal design bag.
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Yes, I think that experience was significant. In addition, I was blessed with supportive people around me. As it was my first time making a bag, I had limited knowledge, but the designers and manufacturing plant staff willingly accepted my vague request to "create a universal design bag." I still feel incredibly fortunate for that.
Writer Hinako-san: I'm sure your passionate desire to "help those who feel inconvenience" came through. In fact, when I first heard about U-GO's initiative, I really wanted to hear more about it.
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Thank you.
Writer Hinako-san: What are your plans for future development?
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Well, first, it's about getting more people to know about our initiatives and products. We frequently hear from customers who've purchased our products say, "I wish I had known about this sooner." To increase awareness, all our employees are working together diligently.
Writer Hinako-san: Are you considering launching any new products?
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Yes, I think about that every day. In addition to further improving our current models, I hope to develop a variety of universal design products beyond bags. I'm also hoping to realize things like "one-handed wallets" in the future.
Writer Hinako-san: A one-handed wallet? That sounds very convenient. I'm looking forward to it. Thank you for your time today.
President & CEO Kazumasa Fukuda: Thank you too.