Creating the tools needed for card traders to succeed in the marketplace.
NOCT is a Los Angeles–based brand on a mission to empower card traders with the tools they need to thrive. As the card collecting and trading industry surged during the pandemic, many traders and entrepreneurs were transporting thousands of dollars' worth of cards in shoeboxes and ziplock bags. NOCT set out to change that.
Design a first of it's kind bag to help card traders to store and carry around their cards without the hassle.
A sling bag with a modular inner case that holds up to 30 graded cards and 100 card savers that allow card traders to travel without the drag.
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Traders used to carry their cards in a shoe box, we changed that.
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The Gem Sling Bag sold out at initial launch and received love calls and reviews from the community.
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Eric Meyer, Anthony Cerda
Fall 2021
Card traders were transporting thousands of dollars' worth of cards in shoeboxes and ziplock bags—we set out to change that.
The Gem Sling is a double-sleeved everyday carry bag designed for traders. It keeps assets discreet while enabling quick hot-swaps, giving users the flexibility to adapt and move strategically.
To better understand what we are design and who we are designing for, we started by speaking with can learning from current card traders.
Bobby
Online Trader
"Market is skyrocketing and it took me 2 months to understand it. Sports card trading is almost like an online casino. It’s a gamble. There is memorabilia and more and more people are jumping into the industry."
Wylie
Industry Expert & Organizer
"I've been collecting since mid 90’s and picked it up again around 2.5 yrs go. It's nice to have accessibility of being able to turn it into an income. Who doesn’t like entrepreneurship?"
Calvin
Hobbyist
"When going to a show, would hand select on average 50 cards from thousands of cards and put them in a shoe box and put it in my backpack."
Riley
Trader
"Card trading is a fun investment. It is easy to keep track of sports that I follow. I don’t need to do too much research and there is money to be made."
We directed our efforts and explorations based on the conversations and learnings we gathered from traders.
Traders noted that the number of cards they carry depends on the show and their goals. We explored an expandable concept using paper mockups to quickly build on the idea.
Fidlock hardware lets traders snap straps into place magnetically and slide to release—making it easy to switch carrying styles in the moment.
TPU-coated nylon—a durable, water-resistant material designed to protect valuables wherever you travel.
It's never just the card. Providing pockets and compartments to carry items that traders might need throughout the day. Attending a show varies from an hour to a whole day.
Here are a few learnings that stood out to us.
Learning 1
Cards come in many different sizes, shapes and forms.
Traders need to group and organize different cards frequently and are constantly thinking of how to store and carry them safely.
Learning 2
Traders don't want to stand out from the crowd
Some carry hundreds of thousands of dollar worth of assets to shows; they don't want to be seen as carrying around valuables.
Learning 3
Traders display their cards differently depending on the opportunity
Raw card sellers invite buyers to browse through everything, while graded card sellers showcase only select cards they’re willing to trade.
Learning 4
Collectors are deeply protective of their cards
knowing that each card’s condition directly impacts its value.
Learning 5
The number of cards brought to shows are carefully selected and curated
Traders don't carry all their cards to different shows. They are intentional and the cards are carefully selected.
Learning 6
People seek something familiar that fits naturally into their existing habits
Something that lets them carry easily as small white boxes and a few graded cards.
Design opportunities we believed were worth pursuing and that our customers would genuinely value.
Opportunity Area 1
Deceptive yet fashionable
Design a stylized exterior that is familiar and doesn't grab attention as carrying valuables.
Opportunity Area 2
Enable traders to have strategic freedom
quickly release and adjust carrying methods to approach buyers.
Opportunity Area 3
Adjustable and protective compartments
Type and quantity of cards traders carry vary depending on shows.
Opportunity Area 4
Insert and go storage/portable inserts
It's not just a bag but a system of bags and inserts that enable traders to both stock and transport assets.
We directed our efforts and explorations based on the conversations and learnings we gathered from traders.
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