In early 2024, our team embarked on an exciting journey to innovate our product line. We gathered invaluable feedback from our customers, conducting extensive research on new product ideas that would truly serve your needs. After numerous brainstorming sessions, we decided it was time to involve you directly—our community—to tell us what you really wanted.

Fans of our flagship Field Journal love its versatility and rugged durability, but some wanted something smaller for everyday carry. Many asked for a journal that was as portable as our Pocket Journal, but with more room for creativity and planning. The Mini Field Journal bridges that gap—compact yet capable, it’s designed for those who want the best of both worlds.

The Survey: What’s Next for LOCHBY?

In June, we launched a survey to determine which new LOCHBY product you wanted to see next. Here were the options:

1. Zippered Field Journal: An A5-sized journal with a convenient zipper to secure your notes and accessories.
2. Slimmer Pocket Journal: A compact version designed to hold a notebook and a couple of pens for effortless portability.
3. Thicker Pocket Journal: An upgraded version of the Pocket Journal with ample storage for more than two notebooks, perfect for those who need extra space on the go.

With fantastic interest in all three options, our team got to work on bringing them to life. The thicker pocket journal ultimately inspired the creation of the Mini Field Journal! 

The Design Process: Crafting the Perfect Journal

Our design principles centered around three key elements:

1. Size: Keeping the dimensions similar to the Pocket Journal for maximum portability.
2. Increased Capacity: Allowing room for more notebooks to accommodate your busy life.
3. Integrated Features: Responding to user feedback, we added an integrated pen loop and adopted an elastic system like the one in our Field Journal, allowing you to easily insert multiple notebooks and swap out old ones.

After several design iterations, we arrived at two intriguing options, differentiated primarily by their hook design: one rugged and iconic, the other elegantly flatter. 

Another Survey: Your Opinion Matters!

Next, we conducted another survey to determine which clasp resonated more with our community. We asked:

Which clasp do you prefer for the Mini Field Journal? 🤔

• Option 1: 15mm Band
• Option 2: 20mm Band

See the final design options!

To our surprise, the elegant clasp received more votes, revealing a clear preference among our community for a refined design over the rugged aesthetic.

The Benefits of the Mini Field Journal

We’re thrilled to maintain the practicality of the Field Journal while introducing several key benefits:

• Compact and Versatile: With a pocket-sized design, it fits effortlessly in any bag, making it perfect for journaling, sketching, or even doubling as a wallet.
• Separate Your Tasks: Equipped with an elastic system that accommodates up to four pocket-sized notebooks, allowing you to organize your thoughts and tasks across different notebooks.
• Ample Storage: Features compartments for a pen, ruler, cards, and more, so you'll always have your tools handy and your essentials neatly organized.
• Durable and Stylish: Crafted from water-resistant waxed canvas and featuring a chic aluminum hook, this journal combines durability with elegance.

How Does it Compare to the Field Journal and Pocket Journal?

• Mini Journal:
  • Size: Compact and portable, designed for quick notes or concise journaling on-the-go.
  • Refill Options: Supports Dot Grid, Plain, and Ruled formats, offering focused options for minimalist needs.
  • Usage: Ideal for capturing thoughts, lists, or sketches when space is limited.
• Field Journal (A5):
  • Size: Spacious A5 format, ideal for elaborate projects, extensive note-taking, or artistic endeavors.
  • Refill Options: Available with Dot Grid, Plain, Ruled, Wide-Ruled, and Planner refills, catering to diverse writing and planning styles.
  • Usage: Perfect for desk-based projects or carrying in a larger bag for extensive journaling.
• Pocket Journal:
  • Size: Sleek and pocket-sized for ultimate portability, perfect for everyday use.
  • Refill Options: Comes with Dot Grid, Plain, and Ruled options, with a planner version arriving soon for strategic planning.
  • Usage: Best for spontaneous ideas, quick sketches, or essential planning while on the move. 

What’s Next?

Exciting times are ahead! To stay up-to-date on the LOCHBY Mini Field Journal, visit our Mini Field Journal page for the latest updates. We can't wait to share more about this innovative product with you—stay tuned!