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