Designing for "Closed Time": The Secret Behind Verical, the Flat Folding Umbrella
Many products in the world share a common biorhythm: they garner the most attention right after launch, then gradually settle down. It's a natural progression for features and designs to become familiar and eventually obsolete over time.
However, among our products, there is one umbrella that seems to defy this rule, recently experiencing a quiet resurgence of interest. That is the "VERYKAL LARGE Flat." As an umbrella designer, this trend is very intriguing to me, and at the same time, I am delighted to think that it might be the result of our "design intent" gradually reaching users over time.
The Essence of an Umbrella Lies in When It's Not Open
When we design umbrellas, we tend to get caught up in the beauty of the moment it opens or the area it covers from the rain. But if you calmly reflect on your daily life, you'll realize that umbrellas spend overwhelmingly more time closed than open.
The development of the VERYKAL LARGE Flat began precisely with the challenge of how to make that "closed time" as comfortable as possible.
Despite being an automatic opening/closing large-sized umbrella, it features ribs made of carbon fiber, which is lightweight, strong, and rust-resistant.
Based on this material, which is lightweight, strong, and rust-resistant, we dared to transform the frame structure into a "flat" shape. We intentionally folded a round umbrella flat. This design is the greatest identity of this umbrella.
Slips into Gaps in Bags, as an Urban Gadget
The true benefits of this flat shape may not be fully conveyed by product photos alone. However, once you hold it in your hand and incorporate it into your daily life, its meaning becomes clear.
In the thin gusset of a business bag, your favorite sacoche, or the side pocket of a backpack, this umbrella fits surprisingly smartly into spaces where traditional round folding umbrellas would create a bulge. Fitting well means that the stress of carrying it approaches zero.
Especially for those who commute by train in urban areas, reducing the volume of luggage directly leads to comfort. We view this umbrella not just as rain gear, but as a "gadget" that optimizes daily travel.
Even on days when you're unsure if it will rain, you can slip it into the gap in your bag without hesitation. This sense of security will ultimately lighten your footwork and slightly expand the possibilities of your daily life. We hope that this gradually gaining popularity flat umbrella will bring a pleasant sense of ease to your urban life.
