Grasshopper Gear

In 2023 I launched a product on Kickstarter: a hydration backpack designed for music festival fanatics. I had always dreamt of launching my own business. I saw it as the best way to expand my skills beyond industrial design—trial by fire—while also practicing Human-Centered Design in a real world setting.

After shipping to Kickstarter backers and selling the remaining inventory on Grasshopper’s website, I decided to close up shop. Profit margins were healthy, but what I learned was you can’t out-muscle TAM. This specific product would never be able to scale beyond the tiny market of hardcore festival goers.

Could there be a future for Grasshopper? I’ll never say never, but for now, I’m content to apply the learnings to other endeavors.