Company:
Decathlon
Year:
2022
Duration:
6 Months
Overview
My 6-month fixed-term contract at Kalenji (Decathlon’s running brand) allowed me to immerse myself in the fast-paced world of product design within a major international company. As a designer for both the COMMUTE and JOGGING branches, I had the opportunity to explore the balance of technical performance, user comfort, and urban style. This experience sharpened my ability to design with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and think strategically from concept to final product.
Brief
I joined the Kalenji design team to contribute to two key areas: developing carrying solutions for the Commute range, and enhancing comfort and functionality for Jogging accessories. In both cases, the goal was to design products that seamlessly integrate into daily routines while pushing for smarter user experiences and sustainable choices.
From early sketches to factory prototyping, I was involved in every stage, including user research, material sourcing, UX analysis, and technical development.
Proposal
For the Commute branch, I worked within a team of designers, engineers, prototypists and product managers to create a modular, weather-resistant urban backpack. Designed for city walking, this 27L backpack features five compartments with reflective panels, anti-theft access, an "easy access" pouch and an insulated lunch box. This bag offers an organized, reliable, and versatile everyday solution to each commuters.
In the Jogging branch, I led the development of a premium comfort running belt, crafted for runners seeking freedom of movement and optimized storage. Made from soft, peach-skin-touch material, it includes organized compartments for essentials, a discreet buckle that doesn’t snag, and a clever strap management system.
Both products reflect a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to thoughtful design (from aesthetics to ergonomics to performance) while also emphasizing collaborative development and responsible production through fabric off-cut reuse, reduced stitching processes, and material optimization.
To see more, please check: Commute Backpack and Running Belt Comfort
