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.