photo by @charlesriccardi
The Mod is a full design system – not a singular item. It’s a new space to stow and carry items that are in your life. The concept was inspired by those old vintage portfolios that allowed for tricking out the interior with phone books, pencils, notebooks and little things. The Mod takes that concept and updates it with respect to modern day gear and today’s adventurer. ‘Mod’ifiable means you’re covered for your day job, after hours, weekends, alter ego, and dreams.
The modern day adventurer is leading a seriously interesting life. They have a day job, they blog, they shoot photos from their mobile, they have a bunch of people waiting for their next Instagram and VSCO Grid shot, they draw, they invent, they take up less space, they’re trying to be more organized, they’re looking for that next destination or AirBnB to travel to to snap some great pics, they’re leading double and triple lives, they’re thrill seekers, they’re designers, they’re educators, they’re flying solo, they have kids and or pets, they make music, they make love, they drink a lot of cold brew, they get their news from Vice, they laugh their asses off, they have 5 jobs but outsource 3 of them, they’re homeless yet living in luxury, they’re artists, they’re connoisseurs, they’re lifestylers, they’re poets, they’re all of us and more.
Mods from the 60′s were also interesting, but this isn’t all about them.
Our brainstorm & sketches led us to departing from the nostalgic yet not-so pretty three ring binder and instead we chose to include seamless magnets to hold different leather inserts based on the user’s needs. The vegetable tanned leather shell is designed to handle core universal items – phone, a tablet, cords, cards, stylus, and of course the Pencil by FiftyThree.
Once Nisha started prototyping from sketches, we tested and tested which led to six iterations before we reached a final prototype.
Our observations and refinements were about ergonomics, safety, gender, size, psychology, beauty, peace of mind and a whole bunch of other factors that we love to obsess and debate on. We reached a point where it was ready to share over social media to see the reaction and invite people to help us test it out. We were really excited when interest started to come through, not only from how many expressed interest but how interesting the people that were interested appeared to be.
As far as my personal testing goes, I am excited to finally have a case that has all my stuff (big and small) that I can carry in one hand. While deliberately unisex, it is exciting that guys have another option in a world where their aren’t a lot of options for guys. That said, with a simple switch of how it’s carried, it becomes quite cute and feminine.
For me, the most exciting part about the Mod (and the reason I called it a system earlier) is the modification the inserts possess. We’ll be launching with a bunch of inserts that are designed with specific people in mind. Kind of like Breakfast Club. There’s one for the musician, the artist, the writer, the prom queen, the photographer, the jock, the camper, and a few others.
We’re still working out the pricing and a few other details but will be releasing the whole story soon.
For the latest on the Mod release date and availability, sign up here: http://bit.ly/mod-signup
And the challenge.. We have 4 Mods that we’re giving out to test. To enter, just make sure we have your email address which you should’ve entered on your way into this post (if not reload). Then simply publicly share this blog post (link: http://bitly.com/modstory) on your favorite social site (IG, Tumblr, Twitter, etc) and make sure you tag with #tigmod #thisisground. We will run until Sunday when we’ll pick our last batch of testers, announce it here on the blog post. Good luck!
Such a cool concept and design. Look forward to tricking it out to make it a photographer/writer’s dream. The ultimate sidekick.
Looks great! One of the sketches shows an iPad. Will it be able to hold both iPad sizes?
Ran into your IG profile and saw your products, very much interested on getting my hands on one of them, if not chosen still can’t wait till they come out on the market.
Gosh I could use a MOD – yet the site wouldn’t let me send to apply
I have now!
Please guys…
You’ve been added to the contest William.
I’m in the same boat as William; maybe the email sign up form is broken on mobile? Either way I’m sharing this because more stuff like this is needed in Sydney.
Jackson,
We have added you, thanks so much for sharing
Absolutely love this. It is gorgeous, practical and holds so much! I’ve tried to add my email twice now and it still isn’t loading. Well done on creating something that looks good for both men and women. My husband would get as much use from this as I would!
Hi Rebbeca, We’ve added you to the contest, Thank you so much for your enthusiam and interest!
Site won’t let me add…
Hi Ed,
We’ve added you to the list, Thanks so much for reaching out
I love this concept, especially because it’s modular. I can use it for client meetings, or I can use it when I’m just out and about (and swap out different inserts). Great idea.
(Also entered my email using the form, but the Enter button wouldn’t work!)
Hi Maurice, THanks for your interest, your are now a part of the contest.
This is such a brilliant idea! Would love to test this out (the email link wouldn’t work when I entered in my details). I hope it will be available to purchase in the near future. Good luck with it all
I also was unable to submit my email
Please help!
This would be perfect as I enter college next month. I could put all the things that I need like pens, notes, iPad mini, phone, earphones and almost everything! What I love about this is you can put everything without looking so bulky. So practical and convenient. (renzimontesclaros@yahoo.com)
This looks amazing, guys. Absolutely can tell that a lot of thought and time was put into the creation of the Mod. I’m very impressed, and would love to have a shot at trying one of these out. I wasn’t able to enter my email, either, like some of the others, so if you could put me on that list I’d be very appreciative.
Wow ! What a great tool to carry everything stationery that I need on a trip. I love the fact that it’s modular too ! I’ve been looking for something like that, quite neutral in style and possibly in leather but it seems impossible to find in my country so I hope I’ll get a chance to be one of your testers. Oh, and thumbs up for the vegetable tanned leather, it gives the mods a great look !
If I’m not one of your testers, I hope I’ll manage to buy it somewhere online !
Cannot wait for this to be released…looking forward to making it a staple in my life!
I hope I entered myself in the contest correctly – just realized its past Sunday and I’m not sure if it worked! Will get my hands on it one way or another anyhow!
Love this! I can’t wait to see it in action. I’m pretty sure that my husband would be fighting me for this one (whereas he usually gives my girly planners the side eye).
Seeing the response that people have had to your posts and our reposts so far on IG, it seems like you might have a mega hit on your hands!
(also, just wanted to check that my email was entered correctly – the popup window add doesn’t seem to be working). Thank you!!
As a huge fan of leather cases for iPad and notebooks, I can’t wait to try this out, either by testing or purchasing! I’m off to post to twitter, but please add me to the email list, as I can’t get the email form to actually send the address post action.
Nice work. Thank you.
I love the efficient design, very practical and user friendly. Awesome! Well-Done!
What an incredibly useful concept! As a teacher I always carry around loads of bits and pieces which don’t really find a place in my bag. This would make a great addition to my filofax!
Please check whether my email was entered, I don’t think it worked. Thank you!
Wow! This looks amazing! I might need one of these
I think I entered, I’m on an iPad so it seemed like the box just disappeared before I knew it went through.
Again, nice one! Will an iPad Air fit in it? Seems a bit small for this.
Also, have you consider the possibily to add a shoulder strap to it?
Finally, add me to the contest?
Hi there, will these be available for other tablets such as Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1? I also tried to enter the competition. These are going to be added to my must have list.
I love the concept. This will be awesome for on the go knitting to carry notepad, extra needles and all the other little things I carry.
Also, I cannot add my email address. The enter button does not work.
PS: Shared on my IG @planninglove
I tried to enter my e mail into your blog, it won’t let me?
Such an interesting concept; I haven’t seen anything like this before. It’s an all in one and yet so stylish a d compact
love the fact that it is so customizable..
I have attempted to enter my email address several times but I’m not sure if it was accepted, looking forward to the release!
Love it and can’t wait to buy it.
Love it and want it!
This looks like an awesome design! I wasn’t able to “submit” my email.
Trying to make sure I am entered also.
Thinking this could be great to carry scissors, rather x or, comb, clips for us hairdressers! Beautifull presentation! Best wishes for much success with the Mod!
Not able to enter my email address. What a great idea! Would love to try one! I like the different inserts to individualiize the system.
The “Enter” button is broken, but love this product!
I love the design and being able to modify it to fit your needs. The material looks gorgeous and I could totally see this being a part of my daily life. I’m not sure if my email was submitted through the form, it seemed to freeze.
I absolutely adore this concept. I would LOVE to “test drive” one ! Have shared on Facebook! Could you please enter me in the contest.
Couldn’t enter my email! Would love one of these!
This is just the extension of the cyber office that is my iPad that I’ve been looking for. Like my preference for a real book to hold in my hand I still like something of a tangible component to my “office” that can still be very portable and neat. Already imagining the lovely feel of the leather and the compact weight of it in my hand. Will it come in different sizes?
I’ve had multiple friends check your post out since I shared the link on Facebook. It’s such a fabulous idea! Can you please verify if I’ve been entered? Can’t seem to get the email box to cooperate. Thanks!
Ahhhg these are absolute beauts. Would love the chance to try one out! I tweeted!
It is amazing just how much you can fit in it and all the bits you thought you would have to find another home for. Basically all you will need all under one roof
Absolutely love this!! This would be so perfect for traveling and for those long layovers I always seem to come across. I can’t wait until this product is fully released!! (Entered email address)
I just posted this on my instagram account. I love this idea and am looking forward to their release. Thank you!
I feel like I really need one of these in my life and am so excited for it to go public, but pleaaaaase make a non leather one so I don’t have to alter my whole belief system to have one! they are so amazing well done <3
Brilliant idea, love all the drawings and concepts. Would be the perfect product to keep a note book and pens, for designing.
Wow…when can I buy one??? This is what my world is missing. Finally someone has found an answer to my problems. Thank you!!!!
One question though…will they fit a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1???
This are incredible great for an Art Major, cant wait for them to be available.
Incredible product! Brilliant idea and looks sturdy and love love love that it’s modifiable! So glad I found you!
This is a phenomenal product! Seriously beautiful! I can think of so many different uses for it, not only for myself, but for so many others. So versatile!
Should I receive an email after I sign up? I’ve entered my email, but not sure if it went through or not. Off to share on instagram!
I think my email went through but since everyone else seems to be having a problem I figured it would hurt to check with y’all!
Loving the design and crossing fingers that I’m picked for testing even though I don’t have an iPad
Shared on twitter! 
Love this concept. Everything looks so clean too. I would get so much user out of this. Looking forward to it’s launch. Subscribed!
Great concept! I love the streamlined, professional look combined with the classic leather. Nice to have a product which caters to the needs of multi-professions. I would love to try this out! Thank you.
So awesome!! I love everything about this project.
I shared it on Facebook. Hope I’m not too late to enter the contest!
neat! the prototype sketches vaguely remind me of a project i once planned in fifth grade, based on the trapper keepers of the 80s but with pockets inside for all manner of artsy supplies. of course, this system is, like, infinitely cooler but that was my initial thought. my second one was MUST HAVE! i’d super love to be a tester for this final round! will share on twitter now
Have field testers been chosen! (Fingers tightly crossed!).
Have field testers been chosen? (Fingers tightly crossed!).
This would be perfect for me! As a graphic designer I would need this! Love the designs.
These things are amazing! I can’t wait to get my hands on one! Who ended up winning this fine invention?
I have checked this blog, and especially this blogpost, at least 3 times a day since discovering it – I just can’t get enough of looking at those pictures! I have been drawing sketches for something like this the past couple of years, but don’t have the knowledge or material to do something about it. And here you guys are with a perfect version of it!
I really hope you someday get a shop in Europe so I can afford to buy it (taxes and fees are ridiculously high when buying from overseas) when it comes out – you guys rock! And love all your lovely pictures on the blog – thanks for inspiring me. Keep up the good work!
Who was chosen to test the Mod? I don’t see a post on Sunday May 18th announcing any winners…
Looks like they only responded via Instagram, so far? http://instagram.com/p/oPSgnbCOMf/ has comments that look like they describe who was selected. Not including me, apparently .
Love the Mod! Especially the magnetic snaps and all the different components. The aesthetic is just what I’m looking for. I have another modular notebook system but I can use the Mod in other ways. Hope to try it out!
It looks great! I would love to try this. All organized is how I love to be. Would love to test drive it.
Hey! I can’t add my email to the site! Can I still get on the list? Thanks!
Please add me to mailing list
Great concept and design. Would definitely use one.
This is AMAZING!! I was just saying yesterday how I wished that there was something like this. PLEASE let me know when it’s available. Thanks!
I love where this is going. Count me in; I’d love to test one all over San Francisco–and yeah, I definitely want to buy one, too.
pls let me know when its out!!
Didn’t see anywhere to enter my email, but my “website” is my shared post!
Love your product.
Please give a Brazilian a chance to be a tester.
Love it.
Want one when it’s ready!
Great stuff can’t wait till they come out. Cheers !
Please add me to your list of people keen on hearing a release date for the Mod.
Eager to have one place that I can store items for work, then swap out for the weekend. I produce content (writing & photography) and need to upload it–like the idea of multiple tools in one attractice catchall. Will you do a Kickstarter campaign?
Please add me to your email list.
I’d like to be added to your mailing list. Looks lovely!
This is so briliant! Would love to try this out, or at least get notified when it’s available.
Hello! Please add me to the contest too. A beautiful product.
Can you add my email? Site won’t let me. Tried the reload…..
I want it