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TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Product Management Group Project Submission 2

Submitted By,
Section C, Group 3
Afsal Shah
Ashok Mohan
Devaiah A G
Irishi R
Tony Sebastian

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Contents
Travel Accessories: Introduction............................................................................2
3M Corporation...................................................................................................... 2
Shortlisted Product 1: Kineseowear.......................................................................3
Shortlisted Idea 2: Solar Backpack Charger...........................................................6
Other Ideas 1: Mega Trolley bag............................................................................ 8
Other Ideas 2: Top Traveller................................................................................... 9
Other Ideas 3: Pack n Wear..................................................................................10
Other Ideas 4: E-book database...........................................................................11

Travel Accessories: Introduction


The topic given to us for product management project is travel accessories. So we have taken
3M Corporation as our company for this study. We came up with few ideas that 3M
Corporation can introduce. After a through brainstorming session we shortlisted 2 ideas for
further study.
Travel accessories is a very big market with lot of big players. There are numerous products
in this category and there is always room for new products. Tourism market is very huge and
travel accessories market is directly linked with this market. So it is necessary for companies
to come up with new products to create a market share and be in the market.

3M Corporation
The 3M Company, formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is
an American multinational conglomerate corporation based in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M
headquarters are in the St. Paul suburb of Maplewood, Minnesota. With $30 billion in sales,
3M employs 88,000 people worldwide and produces more than 55,000 products, including:
adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, dental and orthodontic products,
electronic materials, medical products, car-care products (sun films, polish, wax, car
shampoo, treatment for the exterior, interior and the under chassis rust protection), electronic
circuits, and optical films. 3M has operations in more than 65 countries including 29
international companies with manufacturing operations and 35 companies with laboratories.
3M products are available for purchase through distributors and retailers in more than 200
countries, and online directly from the company.

Initial Ideas:

Solar Backpack Charger


E-book database
Top Traveller
Mega Trolley bag
Pack n Wear
Kineseowear

The ideas that we shortlisted are:

Kineseowear
Solar Backpack Charger

Details of the Shortlisted Ideas


Shortlisted Product 1: Kineseowear
The technology that is trending now is that of wearables. With the introduction of Apple iwatch, Google glass, Microsoft Hologram 3D viewer the line between humans and
technology is vanishing. The application of wearable technology is everywhere. It can be
used in hospitals, manufacturing etc.

Kineseowear is such device that can make the life of a traveller easier. Kineseowear affixes as
tape to be worn for weeks at a time, charges inductively via chargers that can be in beds or
chairs, and communicates by silent and nuanced shoulder tugs. The arms of Kinseowear
contain synthetic muscle, while its heart is computational power, battery, Bluetooth and
sensors. This wearable works with other computing devices like smartphones to deliver cues
to the wearer, through patterns or intensity of sensation. Tugging right or left could deliver
directions. A subtle vibration could convey that another of the harnessed tribe is nearby, or
the wearer has just covered her fifth mile. This quiet delivery allows the wearer to develop a
haptic consumption of desired wearable features notification, geo fencing, direction and
proximity in a nuanced fashion.

The form is suited for wearing sensors close on the body and for longer periods. Kinseowear
is durable and waterproof. The wearer can swim or work out while harnessed, yet it fits
demurely under a shirt or dress. More than mere accessory, the Harness is a cultural fashion
statement. When others see your Harness, they know you have embraced the digital lifestyle
and are receiving silent cues about those around you. You are harnessed, and you want them
to know that.

Benefits:

Creates a physical connection between the human body and any kind of information.
It provides support to the back muscles. It provides support when you are sitting and
gives a more comfortable feeling.
It can be connected with your smart devices. Once it is connected it helps you in
navigating through roads and other areas. For example it will give a tap on the
shoulder to indicate the next turn that one has to take while driving.
It checks the health of a person, like the heartbeat, blood pressure etc.

About the product


The product Kineseowear is basically made up of Kinesiology tape. Kinesiology tape is a
thin, stretchy, elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive. Therapeutic kinesiology tape that
can benefit a wide variety of musculoskeletal and sports injuries, plus inflammatory
conditions. Kinesiology tape is almost identical to human skin in both thickness and
elasticity, which allows kinesio tape to be worn without binding, constricting or restriction of
your movement. Kinesiology tape is used for treating athletic injuries and a variety of
physical disorders. For the first decade after its introduction practitioners in Japan were the
main users of the therapeutic kinesiology tape.
By 1988 the tape had been adopted by
Japanese Olympic and professional athletes
before spreading across the world.
It has two hand with flexible metallic plating
inside. These metallic plates are very thin and
is made up of aluminium. These metallic
plates are operated using small motors inside
the device.
The device also have many sensors that takes
data from your body and helps in adjusting the
device according to that.
The device is powered by a small computer which does all the automation and connection
with the smart devices.
Kineseowear is powered by a battery that is rechargeable and has a very long battery backup.

Market condition and competitors


The target market for Kineseowear is the tech savvy people who wants to try out new thing
and who wants a better travel experience. This product bring technology more close to the
people. So the travellers who are looking for an all in one product that gives you support to
the body and at the same time provides direction, Kineseowear is the one they should go for.
This product can also be positioned to attract health conscious people who wants to know
about their body while travelling like the blood pressure, heart beat rate, how much distance
they have walked etc.

This is a new to the world product. As of now there is no competitors for this product. Since
this is an innovative product lead user research is the best approach to identify the market
opportunities and about the features to be included.

PIC for Kineseowear

Background

People love traveling. In this era of globalisation and interconnectivity travelling is not an
issue anymore. Anyone can travel to his/her dream destination with great ease. With increase
in travelling the demand for travel accessories is also increasing. The travel accessories
market is booming with lot of innovative products and lot of companies in the market. 3M
Corporation, with a strategy to diversify to new sectors are trying to come up with innovative
products that fits to the overall strategy of the company. There is lot of competition for big
players in the global market. So 3M Corporation has to come up with products with
disruptive technology and style.

Focus

Kinesiology tapes technology to be used in the product. The product also contains a small
computer and two flexible aluminium plates. The product is targeted towards the tech savvy
people who needs an all-in one product for their travel problems. It can also be targeted
towards the health conscious travellers.

Goals & Objectives

The goal is to create a new to the world product with the help of disruptive and latest
technologies. The product should solve some of the common problems like back pain,
providing GPS directions etc.

Guidelines

The products should be in line with the overall strategy of 3M. The products should be cost
effective and create a breakthrough in the travel accessories market.

Shortlisted Idea 2: Solar Backpack Charger


This is an innovative product which comes with an inbuilt solar charger which helps in
charging the laptops, mobile phones, mp3 devices and other electronic gadgets with the help
of solar energy. The bag features an innovative 3W Solar Fabric with 3000mAh lithium ion
battery for charging. The Solar fabric would be outside the bag, where direct sunlight is
possible to strike and it is weaved to the bag. Thus battery will get automatically charged
when the bag is carried out. While travelling in bus or train, the bag can be kept in such a way
that sunlight strikes in the solar panel. Rain cover would be provided below the bag as an
attachment inorder to secure the solar panel. Usage of lithium ion battery would reduce the
whole weight and it would be easier to carry. Different dimensions of jacks can be used
which would help to increase the use of variety of gadgets.

Benefits:

Can charge on the go.


Very helpful for people going for mountain hiking and exploring forest and that kind
of places.
Can charge multiple devices.
Very light weight and compact.
The material used is very sturdy and is of high quality.

Market conditions and Competitors:


Mobile solar chargers have been on the market for a while, but form and function and price
have been a constant issue. Plus, battery life for devices continues to improve, making thinfilm solar chargers seem obtuse. But thats all changing.
Now, a range of solar technology companies are offering small, portable chargers and
accessory cases that provide power on the go. Some are on the market already, while others
are still in development. Devices incorporating solar cells or panels into cell phone cases
have been available for some time, but it has been a challenge to bring form, function and
price to the right levels, analysts say. Not only were earlier models too bulky and expensive

to capture the mass market, they also often took too long to charge, especially in the face of
improving battery technology.
There are signs that the products are beginning to find an audience. Goal Zero, which offers
battery packs that fit in a purse as well as mobile generators that can power a home, says it
expects its revenue to double this year to about $60 million. Ascent Solar says its sales began
taking off after Frys, an electronics chain based in California, began carrying EnerPlex
chargers.

PIC for Solar Backpack Charger

Background

People love traveling. In this era of globalisation and interconnectivity travelling is not an
issue anymore. Anyone can travel to his/her dream destination with great ease. With increase
in travelling the demand for travel accessories is also increasing. The travel accessories
market is booming with lot of innovative products and lot of companies in the market. 3M
Corporation, with a strategy to diversify to new sectors are trying to come up with innovative
products that fits to the overall strategy of the company. There is lot of competition for big
players in the global market. So 3M Corporation has to come up with products with
disruptive technology and style.

Focus

The main attention will be on innovation and acquiring patent rights. The product
development requires an experienced team of electrical engineers who have knowledge on
developing solar operated devices. Usage of Solar fabric will be useful for the customers to
carry the bag easily. The company should also concentrate on acquiring the patent rights as
this a new invention and might attract many competitors to market. The investment would be
high as the product is of mass production.

Goals-Objectives

The goal is to achieve the largest market share. For this, the company should build a strong
R&D team and concentrate on developing a quality and reliable product. The target market
will be people between the age group of 18 to 40 years mainly students and business people.
Government is promoting renewable energy sources and this would help in achieving good
market in future for such kind of products.

Guidelines

The products should be in line with the overall strategy of 3M. The products should be cost
effective and create a breakthrough in the travel accessories market.

Revised PIC for the other products


Other Ideas 1: Mega Trolley bag
People most of the time carry more than one luggage when planning for big trips or shifting
things to a new places. It is always easy for people if they pack all their belongings in one bag
and carry it around. This new trolley bag has huge capacity and can lift weight up to 100 kgs
and is portable as well. The bag can be folded to reduce the size to carry smaller weights. The
issue is, how to carry this huge bag around. The bag is operated using a remote. A compact
tracker can be attached to the belt of the owner and the bag can be made to follow the owner.
The bag is supported with a metal rod which automatically lifts it in order to place it
somewhere. The bag also consist of a fibre plate which can be pulled down to convert the
whole bag into a chair.

PIC for Mega Trolley Bag

Background

People love traveling. In this era of globalisation and interconnectivity travelling is not an
issue anymore. Anyone can travel to his/her dream destination with great ease. With increase
in travelling the demand for travel accessories is also increasing. The travel accessories
market is booming with lot of innovative products and lot of companies in the market. 3M
Corporation, with a strategy to diversify to new sectors are trying to come up with innovative
products that fits to the overall strategy of the company. There is lot of competition for big
players in the global market. So 3M Corporation has to come up with products with
disruptive technology and style.

Focus

RFID technology can be used in the tracker that is attached to the belt. The product should
target private and government officials who get transferred and move to new places quite
often. It can also focus on travellers who normally prefer travelling by bus, train or other
heavy vehicles. The premium segment customers can be targeted.

Goals/Objectives

Marketing should be done stating that this is a multi-purpose bag that can cater to variety of
needs. The goal can be achieved by building a high quality product as the bag needs to be
really sturdy and responsive as its operated using a remote control.

Guidelines

The products should be in line with the overall strategy of 3M. The products should be cost
effective and create a breakthrough in the travel accessories market.

Other Ideas 2: Top Traveller


The easiest way to stay away from tiring and hectic work schedule is travel. But most people
face difficulties in searching for good hotels and food. The concept here is to come up with
customized travel accessories which can be fitted to your car or bike. It contains the mattress,
refrigerators, oven, chairs, tables, water supply, and electricity and so on. These are sleek and
compact accessories developed specially for travelling and fitted according to the room inside
your vehicle. Bikes can have a compact version of these accessories either fitted to the pillion
seat or a side car.
The market is medium sized as the product focuses on travel enthusiasts or frequent
travellers. The product can be focus on attracting customers between the age group of 18 to
50 years. The people in this age group have passion to travel. So the advertising team can
promote the product for youth, bachelors and family members.

PIC for Top Traveller

Background

People love traveling. In this era of globalisation and interconnectivity travelling is not an
issue anymore. Anyone can travel to his/her dream destination with great ease. With increase
in travelling the demand for travel accessories is also increasing. The travel accessories
market is booming with lot of innovative products and lot of companies in the market. 3M
Corporation, with a strategy to diversify to new sectors are trying to come up with innovative
products that fits to the overall strategy of the company. There is lot of competition for big
players in the global market. So 3M Corporation has to come up with products with
disruptive technology and style.

Focus

Travellers normally prefer to rent caravans or MUVs fitted with all these equipments. But
our focus here to provide all these facilities to frequent travellers with a nominal value.
As part of production process, our company (3M) needs skilled fitters. The required products
can be outsourced from various other manufacturers like Kurlon, Royale Furniture Holdings,
Havells, LG, Parryware and so on. The products can also be imported from Chinese
manufacturers. Our company will not have to concentrate on developing each product as the
range of products include furniture, electronic and electrical items. So we need to just build
contact with other manufacturers and co-ordinate with them. The service will also be
provided by the OEMs. The problems with the fitting the products can be accessed by our
company.
The key player to such as concept in the US and UK are the caravans which comes with all
the accessories fitted by the original manufacturer. Most of the customers prefer these
vehicles as they are highly reliable and cane be used for multi purposes. But these vehicles
are not so prominent in India. The main players in the Indian market are the local vehicle
accessory stores. It should be easy for 3M to tackle these players.

Goals/Objectives

The goal is to increase the market share by applying the market penetration strategy. Try to
acquire the market share of self-driven vehicles.
The marketing team should target only the urban parts of India as most of the rural population
will have less inclination towards the product. The product targets middle to premium class
society as the products fitted ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1 lakh per device depending on the
affordability of the customers.

Guidelines

The products should be in line with the overall strategy of 3M. The products should be cost
effective and create a breakthrough in the travel accessories market.

Other Ideas 3: Pack n Wear

Background

People love traveling. In this era of globalisation and interconnectivity travelling is not an
issue anymore. Anyone can travel to his/her dream destination with great ease. With increase
in travelling the demand for travel accessories is also increasing. The travel accessories
market is booming with lot of innovative products and lot of companies in the market. 3M
Corporation, with a strategy to diversify to new sectors are trying to come up with innovative
products that fits to the overall strategy of the company. There is lot of competition for big
players in the global market. So 3M Corporation has to come up with products with
disruptive technology and style.

Focus

To attract short period travellers as this is likely to be the future suit for them. Rightly
promoted, this product should capture the market share of at least 15%-25% of travel bags.

Goals/Objectives

The main goal is to acquire a long term market share. This can be achieved by coming up
with stylish coats in different colours like camouflage for trekkers and bright/trendy colours
for youngsters.

Guidelines

The products should be in line with the overall strategy of 3M. The products should be cost
effective and create a breakthrough in the travel accessories market.

Other Ideas 4: E-book database


A quote by Groucho Marx says Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a
dog it's too dark to read. A recent survey conducted on travellers says that the most favourite
pastime for people who travel is reading books. But do people really find time to search for
their favourite books in a library? Here is an innovative product which gives the passionate
readers a great access to a database of the world of books. The concept is just to
amalgamate and build contacts with most prominent libraries around the world and get access
to their databases. The books can be accessed through a 6 inch tablet which is the only means
to access it.

Background

People love traveling. In this era of globalisation and interconnectivity travelling is not an
issue anymore. Anyone can travel to his/her dream destination with great ease. With increase
in travelling the demand for travel accessories is also increasing. The travel accessories
market is booming with lot of innovative products and lot of companies in the market. 3M
Corporation, with a strategy to diversify to new sectors are trying to come up with innovative
products that fits to the overall strategy of the company. There is lot of competition for big
players in the global market. So 3M Corporation has to come up with products with
disruptive technology and style.

Focus

The critical part of the product is to build contact with the libraries around the globe and sign
an agreement to access their collections. Initially, the company can concentrate on signing
contracts with libraries in India and later venture to global markets once the concept becomes
prominent.

Goals/Objectives

The main goal to bring the concept of e-books to market due to growing environmental
concerns. A detailed survey needs to be conducted to know regarding the variety of books
preferred by people and know about libraries which have access to most of them. The
company needs a strong advertising team to come up with new ideas to create awareness in
people.

Guidelines

The products should be in line with the overall strategy of 3M. The products should be cost
effective and create a breakthrough in the travel accessories market.

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