I had to pick between a giant hood and a hidden pocket for a raincoat design

I was sketching a raincoat for a friend who bikes to work, and the big choice was between a massive, helmet-sized hood or a secret pocket for his phone. I went with the hood, thinking it was the smart move for real weather. I even added a clear plastic visor strip, like something from a sci-fi movie. The first test run was a disaster. He said the hood caught the wind like a sail and nearly pulled him into traffic on Main Street. The visor just fogged up. Now I'm back at the drawing board, feeling like I overthought it. Has anyone else had a practical feature totally backfire on them?

2 comments

2 Comments

logansingh21d ago

Wait, it actually pulled him toward traffic? That's way worse than just being annoying. @blakecampbell is right about the wind handle thing, but turning a hood into a bike sail is next level. A clear visor sounds good in theory, but they always fog up, every single time.

blakecampbell21d ago

Giant hoods are a classic trap. I added a stiff brim to one for better rain coverage, and it just channeled a waterfall straight down my neck. The wind thing is real too, it turns your head into a big handle for any strong gust. Sometimes the simplest design, like a basic hood that cinches tight, is the one that actually works.