Is weight an issue when commuting to work?
Being on the flat, no, not really, having heavier panniers/bike doesn't really bother me, being used to it. The only time it is ever a problem is if the lifts aren't working and I have to carry my bike up several flights of stairs.
Are you worried about your laptop?
I commute daily with my laptop. Yes I am worried about it, I use a padded laptop case inside the pannier, I see where you are going with this one maybe
How important is aesthetic to you? Or, is function more of a selling point?
Having it look good is a bonus, but it really doesn't bother me.
How do you feel about the pannier bags currently available at stores?
Can't comment, I use touring panniers (ortlieb backroller plus) which are basically just big bags which I shove everything into.
Anyone worried about theft? of the stuff inside the panniers, or the panniers themselves?
My biggest worry with panniers & commuting is if I happen to want to stop off @ the supermarket on the way home for example. Someone could very easily remove the panniers & walk off with my laptop & everything - tho I try & be as fast as I can & I lock my bike up. Some kind of very simple lock on the pannier lid/top would be very welcome
Are there any commuters who don't use panniers? why?
Being car free means I commute to work every day, but also use my panniers for many other things, so they carry all kinds of stuff. However sometimes I like riding a nice light bike and so I'll commute with a simple backpack & laptop in it.
For those using the multi-function pannier/backpack - how do they function at their separate tasks? Anyone worried about the straps getting into the wheel?
Well, dunno about multi-function but I guess my ortlieb's serve that purpose, they're just big bags so I can shove all kinds in there - commuting work stuff, groceries, plants, stuff I buy etc. I think if you started to make a pannier too suited for one task, you may lose the ability for it to do others. A good compromise may be a pannier with insertable compartments for various tasks, but the ability to remove them all & end up with just a big bag/box.
No I'm not concerned with straps getting into the wheel, they only time they do is when I undo them & walk the bike, which isn't a big deal as I only do that when I get to work.
Anyone dead set on just using a backpack? Why? Do you think they are ergonomic for bike use?
I don't generally use a backpack given that trying to cycle with one on of any weight is pretty hard going on the back. They're not that ergonomic for most bike setups. I will use one though if I'm going to the shop for something small, or commuting on a day where I just need to take my laptop because in those situations a pannier is a bit much.
Does anyone go to the gym/yoga after work on their ride home? ie is a 'sweaty cloths' compartment needed?
Good point here. No I don't go anywhere after work, but the commute to work is always a problem. I always get to work in some kind of sweat (worse in summer) and so normally have a shower & work, but it does leave the question of what to do with the clothes I cycled in on. Normally I may have to stuff them in the same pannier bag - or I may have to take 2 panniers to have one for the dirty/sweaty clothes. A worser situation is when I commute in the rain, I get to work with soaking wet rain gear. Normally putting them into the pannier is necessity but not ideal.
Sounds like a cool project, I look forward to following it.