Dan Cohen, a 2025 graduate and industrial and interaction design major at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, has combined his interests in music and fashion to create the Voyager CD Bag. This project was part of his yearlong thesis.
Cohen’s preference for listening to music on compact discs (CDs) and records is atypical for someone from his generation, who largely use streaming platforms. He noted a similar trend among his peers, which inspired him to develop the Voyager CD Bag as a stylish, portable solution that merges retro technology with modern aesthetics.
“This is a response to Gen Z’s growing fascination with tangible, nostalgic technology,” Cohen explained. “The world we live in is so screen-saturated… A lot of my peers are overwhelmed by this impersonal experience of digital screens.”
The crossbody bag features a functional CD player that is both skip-proof and waterproof. Cohen hopes to eventually market the product to those who appreciate vintage music technology.
To ensure the product met consumer needs, Cohen conducted market research including interviews with industry professionals like Adam Carr from Bose Corporation and Sean Christy from McIntosh Laboratory Inc. Surveys were also distributed among two age groups: 18-29 years old and 30 years or older. The feedback indicated that while many enjoyed CDs, they found traditional players inconvenient and desired something portable yet trendy.
Cohen’s prototype drew inspiration from classic devices such as the Walkman and Discman. He noticed bags were popular among students on campus, which influenced his decision to incorporate a CD player into a bag design.
“People I shared the bag with were so excited at the prospect of a portable CD player bag,” he said about reactions to his creation.
Reflecting on his journey, Cohen stated that trusting himself was crucial despite challenges faced during development. “While there were definitely some ups and downs along the way, this was my passion project and I’m proud of how everything turned out.”
