User Testing Results

I just got some photographs and comments back from Mindy, who tested my stroller bag and one-handed adapter.

The bag with Mindy's stroller and Romeo.

Here's what Mindy had to say:

“I like the bag and the adjustable straps...it is my green bag with some revisions. The adjustable straps were the best part. And I liked the way it carried and the way it sat on the stroller--it worked well with both strollers. The clips inside were useful.”

“What I didn’t like was the fabric (too thin and flimsy) and overall too much of it.”

Both prototypes together, on the smaller umbrella stroller.

Here's some more feedback from questions I asked her:

Did you find that you changed positions of the straps, or just kept them pretty much the same?  Yes I changed them and found that part to be easy and very useful.

Did you adjust the straps often?

Not too often. 

I need to have one of those stays on the straps for the excess.  

Yes you do need stays. 

Did you clip your water bottle to the inner clip? 

Nope, but i used one for my keys...I would prefer [a clip for the water bottle] on the outside someplace.

This feedback was really helpful. I was planning on developing it with a stiffer material, and am now looking forward to shopping for fabric. I'll have to work on considerations for bottles, and making two sizes of bags for different users' needs. Mindy also didn't use an inner, removable bag I included.

The bar adapter was not as successful. The prototype was too rough on the edges for the hand, and wasn't secure enough on the stroller handles, popping off while going up a curb. Working on these things is a must for moving forward with this prototype.

Thanks, Mindy!

Stroller Ideation Sketches

A Stroller Handle Study: Research and Design Process

Observation: Stroller Handles

The notes below show observations of baby stroller handles on an afternoon in Brooklyn over a two hour period. The line clusters represent hand placement while rough sketches of handle designs were drawn. In some cases pushers were also engaged in other activities such as walking their dogs, talking on the phone, carrying bags, smoking and holding cans of food at the grocery store.
These observations indicate that many types of stroller handles exist and users push their strollers with one or two hands, or both, depending on their circumstance. Additionally, users are often engaged in other tasks while steering. A set of user needs was created for stroller handle designs based on these findings.

Design Needs and Criteria for Baby Stroller Handles:
Steering. Caretakers must steer and control the movement of their strollers. Baby strollers must possess handles that make steering easy.
Comfort. Caretakers need to grip handlebars. Direct physical contact with handlebars necessitates a comfortable and versatile fit for various needs and users.
Multi-function. Caretakers often multi-task while pushing strollers which often preoccupies their hands. Handlebars should aid caretakers in their additional activities.
Storage. There is a need for strollers to store supplies for children and their caretakers. Handles should be designed with storage needs in mind.

Early Sketch Ideas:

Design Idea to Pursue:

This design idea was pursued because of its simplistic yet functional design which attempts to meet all the needs described above. Its main feature is the handlebar. The handle bar design solves the problem of one-handed versus two-handed strollers by having both types available to the user. The two-handed bars (outermost handles) are made adjustable by folding upward for pushing comfort and maneuverability, especially through tight spaces. The one-handed center can be used while multi-tasking, for example, opening doors, talking on the phone or drinking coffee. Near the center handle are easy access drink holders. This design also allows for extra bags, purses and backpacks to hang from the inner or outer handles which deals with the issue of storage.

Prototypes:
Below are chipboard prototypes giving a rough 3D example of the 1-2 handlebar design. This prototype was taken to users for commentary and feedback.

Flat prototype design

3D version demonstrating drink holder

Flat and 3D prototypes

Main Feature: a one or two-handed hold

User Feedback: Stan is a first-time father with a five-month old child. The prototype was handed to him in an ambiguous fashion. He definitely preferred the outer handles pointed downward for better grip and comfort. He explained that the handles were reminiscent of a bicycle or Harley and wasn't sure if a baby stroller should have such a close reference to something so fast and dangerous. Stan commented that the idea of a one or two-handed stroller handle was great but the current prototype design was flashy, distracting (as seen below), too abstract and too "designer" for his taste. Simple and functional design is best. He does not care about status strollers. He was more interested in a baby stroller that is affordable, adaptable, and durable. A valuable recommendation he made was that the center circle is too big and could be obtrusive while walking, especially for pregnant mothers. The center handle should collapse downward and possibly be designed to hold drinks. He liked that the handlebar doubles as a cup holder and could also store bags.

Distracted by over-designed prototype

Stan testing the comfort of the outer handles

Design Development:
A neglected design criteria was uncovered during user-testing with Stan. His feedback revealed that handles should not physically impede the caretaker or their movement. Based on this user incite, there is a need for unobtrusive stroller handles. Stan's comments made us question the necessity of the center handle circle. To simplify the design, save material and lessen the bulk, the center ring was removed. A slight curve takes its place, still allowing for a one-handed grip, cup holders and bag storage. Further tests, perhaps with a metal prototype should be made before more user testing.

Prototype 2: Center ring removed

User testing: stroller handlebar extender

We looked at our observations notes from our time with Dale and Tess and saw a great opportunity to help Dale with his sore toes. We decided to make a stroller handlebar extender for his Phil & Ted's stroller which might meet these needs he has:

• Stride clearance - It needs to enable him to stand directly behind the stroller in the traditional stance so that he can walk his natural stride without bashing his toes or shins against the stroller
• Weight - It needs to be light enough that it doesn't add too much to the already heavy stroller (it's 18 lbs)
• Size - It's already a big stroller (over 30 inches long) so it shouldn't make it too much longer otherwise it could make life difficult at the local grocery stores and bodegas
• Style - It needs to appear as if it's a proper accessory as opposed to some frankenstein hack job thrown together by a bunch of students

So we measured Dale and Tess' stroller, hit the shop and bent a bunch of pipe, attached wooden pegs and bicycle grip tape and took our model extender over to their place to try it out. Here's what happened...


So we had to try again. We blew it on every criteria except weight on that one!

We took our revised extender back to Dale and Tess' for another test drive with much better results.
We got the clearance just right so as to make Dale's toes happier and only added 10 inches to the length, though that might actually be difficult in the end so that length requirement might still be an issue. As for weight, our extender is only 3 lbs. - it's made of aluminum alloy so it's light - so we haven't added too much to the errand running burden with this sturdy stroller. It blends right into the look of the stroller so the style issue is no problem for Dale especially after we paint the aluminum and pegs black to match the rest of the stroller.

Dale's initial comment when he saw the revised extender: "..that's more like it. Looks great guys." We'll be leaving this model with Dale for long-term testing. We feel for his toes.

Accessorize!

Off-roading

An extreme user may be one that that not only takes their child for a walk in the park, but rather, through the park. Consideration of tires and suspension seems essential here.

User Test Drop!

Today I dropped off two prototypes with a family: a stroller/diaper bag and a one-handed adapter for an umbrella stroller. Here's how the umbrella adapter looked on the stroller:

I was also shown a cool roll-up diaper carrier. It was sewn for them by a friend. It fits several diapers, is compact and folds neatly. It's made to be thrown into a bag. 

I really like the grey lining and durable outer material, as well as the brown trim. It fit into my bag- maybe it will make a trip with it!

Stroller Bag Number Two

Here's a new version of my stroller and diaper bag.

For the second iteration, I thought of some important criteria.

1. The bag needs to be able to fit onto a variety of strollers — not just an umbrella stroller. 

2. There is also a need for flexibility- both for the user and for a variety of users. 

I added a clip system that not only is convertible from a tote to shoulder to messenger, but is adjustable and lets the user clip the bag onto a stroller that has a crossbar. 

3. The bag should be easily washed.

Whether or not the user will wash the bag often, it definitely should be an option. I used a lightweight material for this version, though a sturdier canvas that is also soft could provide support, comfort and washability.

A test run on a Phil and Ted's stroller.

The bag can be converted into a shoulder or messenger bag. It can also be handled like a tote.

4. The bag should be easy to use. 

Storage should be ample, and the items stored should be easy to find. I made the middle, 'easy to grab' compartment smaller. 

I'm planning on having Mindy, whose storage habits I observed, test the bag for me in the next few days.

One Handed Conversion Prototype

Umbrella strollers are great because they are lightweight and fold up easily. Because of the two handles, however, they can be difficult to steer. Above is a first test of a quick prototype of a telescoping device that connects to the handles.

Stroller hacks!

All of the parents we've interviewed and observed practice some degree of hacking - making modifications to their strollers to suit their needs. Here's a few examples.

Sunshade Bonnet Extender

Our friend Dieter uses office binder clips to make a sunshade for his daughter Eena. It was really sunny and hot this past weekend in Brooklyn. Since the bonnet on Dieter's Bugaboo stroller doesn't go down all the way to completely protect the kiddo from massive radiation, Dieter came up with this breezy fix...


Two double-kid hacks

Tess and Dale take their boys out all the time and they wanted to be able to carry both of them in the stroller but without the hassle of bringing their big Phil & Ted's tandem rig. So they use their Inglesina by tilting the seat all the way back and stack the boys front-to-back bobsled style.

The boys are getting bigger and neither of them likes to sit in the back seat of the Phil & Ted's stroller. Would you? So Tess usually stows her bag in the seat and one of the boys stands on top of it. The kid's happy and so it Tess' back.

Grocery cart car seat hack

Our subject Peter told me that his Britax car seat fits nicely in that crow's nest folding shelf in a typical grocery cart. So if he takes his Kolcraft to the store with Ingrid in the car seat he perches the car seat sideways on that shelf and hangs the collapsed Kolcraft frame on the front of the cart.

Restaurant car seat hack

Apparently this is a common one: the standard wooden high chairs in restaurants can be turned upside down and accomodate your car seat. Handy when you're on a road trip with the car seat.

Stroller/Diaper Bag: First Prototype

Here is my first attempt at a simple, collapsible diaper bag to fit on a stroller, based on my observations with Mindy. Here it's on the studio 'test' stroller.

It fits well on the stroller — I've oriented the straps so that when full, the bulk of the bag will be side to side, minimizing interference (the straps on Mindy's bag were the opposite). I quickly realize though that it will not fit on any other type of stroller.

The center compartment, constructed from an extra panel, may be too roomy- making it so that quick reach items may not be visible from above, like Mindy's bag.

Here are a few more details:

I'm happy with the overall size so far, and that it isn't an obvious diaper bag. Next step is to try to minimize the inner space, and make the straps more flexible. A more durable material then this scrap fabric is necessary, though a simple to clean cloth could be a necessity.

A Simple, Organized Bag

While out observing Mindy, I paid attention to her use of an umbrella stroller and her storage solutions. Rather than using a diaper bag (a type she has been unhappy with), Mindy uses various totes and canvas bags. Her current bag of choice is made of green canvas and has a simple dividing system.

A complaint of Mindy's is that diaper bags are too bulky. Also, the one she has is made of an unpleasant material. Could it be that, in addition to size, diaper bags have too many pockets and options?

Here is what Mindy took to the park and farmer's market on the day I observed her. We were gone for about three hours. A large bag was not needed. An additional canvas bag was taken for groceries.

The contents easily fit into the bag.

A perk of having a small bag made of a material that isn't too stiff is that it can be shoved into a larger bag for easy transport. All the baby stuff stays in the bag, no matter who is taking it.

The straps hang on the umbrella stroller handles, and can be used to store coats and in this case, a skateboard.

Design Inspiration: Photo Brainstorms

Mobility

Every New Yorker needs to get around, but how to do it?

Safety
Sturdy frames and glow-in-the-dark bodies, important features in your next stroller?

Lightweight Design
Lightweight designs are critical for strollers, especially when they need to be carried up and down subway stairs.

Collapsibility

Collapsibility is a must in the crowded city of New York. Check out those wheel designs!

Baby-Centric Design

Investigating the needs and desires of babies from a baby’s point of view is the objective of baby-centric design. Typically parents and caretakers determine the function and appearance of baby strollers based upon adult wants, requirements and ease. What about the baby? Baby strollers and their accessories are meant after all for infants. Let’s keep that in mind as we empathize with this babbling, disregarded population.

Design Opportunities: comfort, environmental stimuation, sibling rivalry

Design Opportunities: standing, snack access, tactile exploration

Rainy Days

Tess kindly demonstrates the difficulties of her Phil & Ted’s rain cover. She unpacks the rain shield which is normally stored underneath the seat, unfolds it and fits it over the stroller.



















Note how Tess crouches down in order to get the cover on snugly. This task requires her full attention and necessitates the removal of her backpack from the backseat so she can easily access her belongings. Tess comments that a major inconvenience with the rain cover is that once it is on she cannot physically access her children.

To remove, she has to stop the stroller, take off the cover and fold it wet to be stored once again in the bottom compartment.

Design Solution: Roll-up Rain Cover

This built-in rain cover eliminates inconvenience in a downpour. It works just like a window shade, simply pull on tabs to move the rain shield up or down.