SMORK was developed as a carry solution for content creators, photographers, and users with an active lifestyle who need quick access to their gear without carrying a full-size backpack.

The goal was to design a compact but highly functional sling bag that could carry essential camera and creator equipment, stay comfortable during movement, and integrate directly with a tripod setup.

SMORK © Sling Bag

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ROLE
Lead Industrial Designer

YEAR
2025

CLIENT
SMORK™ by Benedict Au-Yeung

SMORK is a compact sling bag with a unique tripod integration system. Instead of treating the tripod as a separate object to carry, the bag attaches directly to it using two adjustable webbing straps with metal buckles.
This allows the bag to sit securely between the tripod legs, keeping the gear elevated from the ground and making it easier to access equipment during filming, shooting, or outdoor work.
The challenge was to combine soft-goods design, functional hardware, internal organization, and a clean product identity into one compact format.
Most camera and creator bags are either too bulky for active use or too minimal to support real working scenarios. The goal was to create something smaller, faster, and more versatile.
The main design challenges were:
- Creating a stable tripod attachment without expensive custom plastic hardware
- Keeping the bag compact while still useful for camera, sports, and creator gear
- Quick-access camera pocket for on-the-go working moments
- Making the sling wearable from both left and right shoulder orientations
- Developing a premium, technical look
The project moved from early concept development into detailed soft-goods design, material selection, hardware definition, and production-ready tech-pack documentation.
Multiple sample rounds were used to refine the proportions, usability, stitching logic, and construction details. The design was developed toward a golden sample that could serve as a benchmark for production quality.
The final documentation included the product layout, material and hardware specifications, CMF direction, construction details, and factory communication files.
One of the key innovations of SMORK is the back-mounted tripod attachment system.
Instead of developing a custom molded clip, the solution uses two adjustable webbing straps with metal buckles. This kept the construction more realistic for soft-goods production while still delivering a strong and secure connection to any size tripod.
When attached to a tripod, the bag naturally settles between two tripod legs. This helps lock it vertically and laterally, reducing unwanted movement without extra rigid hardware.
This system gives the product three practical benefits:
- It keeps the bag and gear off the ground
- It adds weight to the tripod, helping improve stability
- It allows the user to move the tripod and bag together as one setup, as a mobile content workstation
The bag was designed around fast access and flexible movement.
A side-access camera pocket allows users to reach essential gear quickly without fully opening the main compartment. Inside, the bag includes a padded pocket sized for a large iPad, along with two mesh pockets for smaller accessories.
The strap system can be switched for left or right shoulder use through hidden bottom metal carabiner-style hardware. This makes the bag adaptable to different user preferences without adding unnecessary complexity.
Industrial Design (Soft Goods)
Factory Tech-pack
CAD, 3D Modeling
CMF (Colors, Materials, Finishes)Design for Manufacturing
Manufacturing coordination