EcoWeight: Smart Luggage for
Sustainable Air Travel
Raabia Omer
EcoWeight is a modular, app-connected smart luggage system that uses BLE sensors and real-time eco-feedback to encourage lighter packing, helping travellers reduce their carbon footprint and airlines improve fuel efficiency through more sustainable baggage choices.
Design Problem
Passenger overpacking is an under-addressed contributor to aviation-related CO₂ emissions. Many travellers are unaware of how baggage weight affects flight fuel consumption. This lack of awareness leads to heavier loads, increased emissions, and costly over-limit fees. The problem affects both the environment and passengers, especially frequent flyers and climate-conscious consumers.
EcoWeight is a smart luggage system designed to reduce carbon emissions caused by excessive passenger baggage weight in air travel. The product integrates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) weight sensors with a mobile application that provides real-time feedback and “eco-score” nudges to encourage lighter packing. Travelers are informed of their luggage’s environmental impact before check-in, helping them make more responsible choices. The system is screen-free, modular, and built from recycled carbon fibre and recyclable components to minimize lifecycle emissions. EcoWeight offers airlines an indirect path to fuel efficiency while empowering passengers to take climate-positive action.
Description of the Project
The project began with stakeholder interviews and scenario mapping to understand travel behaviour. Idea generation used SCAMPER, morphological analysis, and heuristic methods. Final concepts were evaluated using a Selection Matrix and Technical Feasibility Checklist. Environmental impact was analysed using a MET Matrix and Life Cycle Assessment, supporting material and system choices aligned with sustainable design goals.
Process
The project began with stakeholder interviews and scenario mapping to understand travel behaviour. Idea generation used SCAMPER, morphological analysis, and heuristic methods. Final concepts were evaluated using a Selection Matrix and Technical Feasibility Checklist. Environmental impact was analysed using a MET Matrix and Life Cycle Assessment, supporting material and system choices aligned with sustainable design goals.
Process
About me
Design and Innovation graduate passionate about sustainable product design, persuasive technology, and creating user-cantered solutions that make a measurable social and environmental impact